"PhD on Optimizing the polarization purity of beamforming active array antennas"

The PhD position is part of the prestigious POLARIS (Pathway towards Opportunities for Large scale Applications of Radically Integrated Systems) project. Polaris is a large flagship program (funded by the Nationale Groei Fonds) in the Netherlands in which new technologies and concepts are developing the next generation radars (www.polaris-ngf.nl).

Within the Polaris program, TU/e is focusing its research activities on the development of new antenna and integrated circuit concepts for radar and electromagnetic modelling. The Electromagnetics (EM) and Integrated Circuit (IC) groups are involved as well as the Center for Wireless Technology Eindhoven (CWTe). All PhD projects within Polaris are strongly connected to the industrial partners.

In the rapidly evolving field of wireless communication and radar systems, the demand for highly efficient, adaptive, and precise antenna technologies has never been greater. Beamforming active array antennas, with their ability to dynamically steer and shape beams, are at the forefront of this innovation. However, achieving high polarization purity and polarization diversity in these systems remains a significant challenge, especially while scanning, crucial for minimizing signal interference, enhancing communication reliability, and improving overall system performance.

This PhD position offers the opportunity to dive deep into the complexities of antenna polarization, focusing on developing novel methods and design strategies to optimize polarization purity in active array antennas. By addressing these challenges, the candidate will contribute to the next generation of high-performance, active antenna systems, with focus specifically on advanced radar. While the need for dual-polarization communication has been well established, current radar systems predominantly use a single polarization.

The core objective of this research is to improve polarization purity by addressing both the generation of orthogonal polarizations in transmit mode and the minimization of inter-polarization coupling. Specifically, the project will investigate how dual-polarized array architectures can be optimized to sustain orthogonality and isolation across wide scanning ranges. This includes the design of feed networks and element geometries that preserve polarization separation and suppress cross-polarization components.

A high-level planning of the project includes the following phases divided over a period of 48 Months:

• System-Level Analysis and Target Definition: Conduct an in-depth analysis of the overall system architecture and performance needs, translating these insights into specific requirements for the antenna design. Stakeholder feedback will be actively integrated to ensure the design aligns with practical and cost-effective applications, laying a strong foundation for the research.
• Literature Review: Perform a comprehensive review of existing research on beamforming active array antennas, with a particular focus on techniques aimed at achieving and maintaining high polarization purity. This phase will identify critical research gaps and potential areas for advancement.
• Analysis of Current Techniques and Identification of Research Objectives: Assess existing methods and technologies that address polarization purity in active array antennas. From this analysis, refine the research focus by identifying areas for improvement and innovation, and establish the primary research objectives.
• Mathematical Modeling: Develop detailed mathematical models to describe and predict polarization behavior in array antennas. These models will serve as a foundational tool for understanding key factors affecting polarization purity, especially during scanning operations.
• Conceptual Design and Simulation: Design initial conceptual models of active array antennas with an emphasis on polarization purity. Advanced simulation tools will be employed to test, verify, and optimize these designs. Cost considerations will also play a central role in design decisions, ensuring a balance between performance and feasibility.
• Prototype Fabrication and Experimental Validation: Based on simulation results, fabricate prototype antenna arrays to conduct experimental measurements. This phase will validate the models and designs developed in previous stages, demonstrating the feasibility and potential impact of the proposed approaches.
• System Integration and Performance Evaluation: Assess the potential for integration of the developed antenna systems into existing communication and radar platforms. This phase will also include a cost-benefit analysis to evaluate the design’s practicality for widespread deployment.
• Documentation and Thesis Finalization: Synthesize findings and document the research process, results, and conclusions. This will culminate in the finalization of the PhD thesis, presenting a comprehensive description of the research and its contributions to the field.

Requirements: A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in a relevant electrical engineering or applied physics discipline. A research-oriented attitude. Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners. Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students. Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level). In addition to the formal qualifications, selection is also based on the performance of the candidates in other works (e.g. thesis and advanced level courses), as well as through interviews and assignments. Previous experience in radio propagation, antennas, electronics and signal processing as well as proficiency in using scientific and engineering software packages such as MATLAB, CST, ADS etc. are advantageous.

Conditions of employment: Fixed-term contract: 4 years. A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881). A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities. An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.