Matrial Matrix of Blocks of Dielectric Materials

Abstract

Materials that exhibit magneto-dielectric effects with high local order in the form of distinct basic units with a defined geometry that provides orientation and spacing that prevents contact between conductive components of a basic unit are disclosed. Use of multiple basic units arranged, for example by embedment, in essentially random orientation relative to one another provides a composite material with magneto-dielectric effects that isotropic and homogeneous. Such basic units are readily manufacturable using conventional techniques.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A material matrix comprising a basic unit having an electrically active sheet bounded on at least a first side by a first dielectric and a second side by a second dielectric, and wherein the dielectric extends to at least one edge boundary of the basic unit. 
     
     
         2 . The matrix material of  claim 1  wherein the dielectric also extends to at least a second edge boundary of the basic unit. 
     
     
         3 . The matrix material of  claim 2  wherein the dielectric also extends to at least a third edge boundary of the basic unit. 
     
     
         4 . The matrix material of  claim 3  wherein the dielectric also extends to at least a fourth edge boundary of the basic unit. 
     
     
         5 . The material matrix of  claim 1 , wherein the basic unit has a rhombohedral shape. 
     
     
         6 . The material matrix of  claim 1 , wherein the basic unit has at least two parallel sides. 
     
     
         7 . The material matrix of  claim 1 , wherein the basic unit has four parallel sides. 
     
     
         8 . The material matrix of  claim 1 , wherein the basic unit has an aggregate dielectric permittivity of at least 1.5. 
     
     
         9 . The material matrix of  claim 1 , wherein the basic unit has a linear dimension of at most 20 mm. 
     
     
         10 . The material matrix of  claim 1 , wherein the first dielectric has a different dielectric constant than the second dielectric. 
     
     
         11 . The material matrix of  claim 1 , wherein the first dielectric comprises a polystyrene foam. 
     
     
         12 . The material matrix of  claim 1 , wherein the electrically active material is conductive. 
     
     
         13 . The material matrix of  claim 1 , wherein the electrically active material is magnetic. 
     
     
         14 . The material matrix of  claim 1 , wherein the basic unit includes a second electrically active material spaced apart from the electrically active sheet. 
     
     
         15 . The material matrix of  claim 1 , further comprising an insulating coating disposed about the basic unit.