Reconfigurable and programmable microwave devices and antenna systems using new materials and smart structures

About the Project

With the pervasive use of wireless communication systems from land to space, static communication hardware no longer meets the diverse and dynamic deployment needs. Reconfigurability, agility and intelligence (sense-and-act) are increasingly expected for hardware components and systems. For instance, antennas in base stations and satellites may be expected to autonomously steer and re-shape their radiation beams according to the use demand. This is the so called ‘phased array’. Solid surfaces on buildings or large structures may be re-engineered to purposely control the transmission and/or reflection of electromagnetic waves flexibly and dynamically. A popular concept like this is the so called ‘reconfigurable intelligent surface’.

These are examples of advanced high-frequency (from GHz to THz frequencies) electromagnetic devices and systems that are highly anticipated for the future generation wireless systems. However, the agility and reconfigurability of the devices and systems come with the complexity not only in electromagnetic designs, but also in their implementation and control of the individual tunable or reconfigurable elements. Some new and unusual materials as well as ingenious actuation techniques have been invented and others are emerging for such purposes. There have been and will continue to be many eye-opening, intelligent electromagnetic devices and systems demonstrated in laboratories and in the commercial market.

This PhD project will research and develop reconfigurable or programmable microwave devices and antenna systems for communications and sensing, using new materials and smart structures. Applicant is expected to be hand-on, seeing through the development cycle from concept formulation, microwave design, computer modelling, to prototyping and experimental verification. Applicant is expected to have strong foundation knowledge in electromagnetics in order to acquire the competence in microwave design. Experience with microcontrollers and FPGA may be an advantage.

The research programme will take place in Emerging Device Technology (EDT) research lab (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/eese/communications-sensing/edt).

Funding Notes

Applications are sought from highly motivated students graduating with first degree (2:1 or higher) in Electronic Engineering or Physics (and preferably a Master’s degree).