"PhD Studentship: Anomalous control of radiation properties of antennas"

University of Birmingham - Department of Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering

About the Project

This project is an exciting opportunity to undertake industrially linked research in partnership with QinetiQ. It is based within the Communications and Electromagnetics research group, in the School of Engineering, University of Birmingham.

The PhD project:

Antennas are a key component of communication and sensing systems; however, existing antenna technologies suffer from a variety of issues - including bandwidth, size and weight - which preclude their use across many technologically significant applications, such as small/compact, lightweight structures, and complex-shaped geometrical structures. Furthermore, the radiation characteristics can be difficult to control and this is sometimes only feasible with expensive array and device technologies.

This PhD will look at the fundamental electromagnetic mechanisms and understand how anomalous effects may be exploited to design compact and low-cost antennas in RF/Microwave bands. The work will entail fundamental theoretical studies that will consider the electromagnetic aspects, through computer modelling and simulation, and then identify material systems that enable the design and manufacture of antennas for test and characterisation.

Informal enquiries, with a detailed CV and academic transcripts, should be sent to Prof. Alex Feresidis at a.feresidis@bham.ac.uk.

Funding Notes

This fully funded 4-year studentship is available only to students eligible for Home/UK tuition fees. The successful applicant will receive a tax-free monthly stipend of over £2000, full-time home tuition fees paid, and a generous budget for consumables and travel. A placement of minimum 3 months will also take place with the industrial sponsors within the duration of the PhD.