Design and Optimization of Compact Wideband Planar and Reconfigurable Artificial Magnetic Conductors for communications applications

Project description

Wideband Artificial Magnetic Conductors (AMCs) operating at frequencies below 2 GHz play a crucial role in diverse applications such as long-range communications, rural broadband access, RFID systems, Wireless Power Transfer (WPT), medical imaging, sensing, and smart agriculture. However, existing systems encounter limitations in terms of size, weight, and efficiency, especially at frequencies below 2 GHz. This Ph.D. research proposes to overcome these challenges by developing a compact wideband planar Artificial Magnetic Conductor (AMC) tailored for applications below 2 GHz. The research objectives encompass investigating existing limitations, designing and optimizing a compact wideband planar AMC, exploring reconfigurable AMC architectures, and validating their integration with antennas.

A. Objectives:
1. Investigate Limitations of Existing Communication Systems: Analyse current communications systems, focusing on frequencies below 2 GHz; Identify challenges related to size, weight, and efficiency.
2. Design and Optimize a Compact Wideband Planar AMC: Utilize advanced electromagnetic simulation tools to design and optimize the planar AMC. Address specific application requirements below 2 GHz.
3. Reconfigurable AMC and Integration with Antenna: Explore reconfigurable AMC designs and their integration with antennas. Evaluate the flexibility and adaptability of the system.
4. Reconfigurable AMC with Superstrate and Integration with Antenna: Investigate the integration of a superstrate with reconfigurable AMCs and antennas. Assess the impact on performance and functionality.

B. Methodology:
1. Electromagnetic Simulations: Employ advanced simulation tools to design and optimize the planar AMC. Tailor the design to meet specific requirements below 2 GHz.
2. Fabrication and Prototype Development: Implement optimized designs into physical prototypes. Utilize innovative fabrication techniques to achieve compactness and lightweight characteristics.
3. Experimental Validation: Integrate planar AMCs with antennas and conduct extensive experiments. Validate performance in real-world scenarios.
4. Performance Optimization: Iteratively refine designs based on experimental findings. Enhance the planar AMC’s performance for chosen applications.

Outcomes

Prototypes of:
1. Compact Wideband Planar AMC integrated with antenna.
2. Reconfigurable AMC integrated with antennas.
3. Reconfigurable AMC and superstrate integrated with antennas.

Publications in high-quality journals in the field.

Essential capabilities

Strong analytical and engineering skills, Strong experimental skills

Desireable capabilities

Knowledge of fullwave electromagnetic simulators, background in RF measurements

Expected qualifications (Course/Degrees etc.)

Same as for i- and q- student