Antennas and Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces for 6G Communications

Project Code: EPSRC_2023_16

Research Institute/Centre: Centre for Efficiency and Performance Engineering

Project Introduction

New design, optimisation, and measurement techniques will be used to design antennas and Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RISs) for 6G communications.These techniques will be designed to work in cooperation with full-wave 3D analysis methods. The optimised antennas, antenna arrays, feeding networks, and RISs will be designed and fabricated by using microstrip technology, and then radiation measurements will be performed to evaluate their performance. 

Project Objectives

The objective is to develop antennas and RISs that concurrently satisfy multiple requirements such as maximum forward gain, low side lobe levels, nulls towards undesired incoming signals, etc. The geometry and excitation of antenna arrays and RISs will be optimised in order to shape the produced radiation pattern in a specific way depending on the application. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning-based algorithms will be used for the control of the antenna/RIS elements and properties. A proper feeding network that provides the required excitations on the antenna elements as well as matching to a central transmission line will be designed. The design of antennas, antenna arrays, feeding networks and RISs will be performed by applying novel evolutionary optimisation techniques in conjunction with 3D analysis methods like the Finite Element Method (FEM), the Finite Difference in Time Domain (FDTD) method, the Finite Integration Technique (FIT) and the CST software. 

• This project will benefit from two current running European projects MSCA-ITN-MOTOR5G and MSCA-RISE-RECOMBINE both on Beyond 5G Communications. 
• Publications will be submitted to Q1 high-impact journals: IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation (IF = 4.4), IEEE Access (IF = 3.7), etc. 
• Eventually Patents will be filed, and relevant business opportunities will be exploited. 

Entry Requirements

• Degree/speciality: Electronic or electrical engineering, mathematics, electromagnetics, preferably with a specialisation on Telecommunications (MSc). 
• Skills:  
• Excellent mathematical skills and background.  
• High proficiency in Matlab, C, Python, CST, or similar programming software.  
• Solid background on wireless communications (antennas, propagation, etc.).  
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including presentation skills. 

This call is open to UK Applicants only. 

Applicants should be of outstanding quality and exceptionally motivated.

The studentships are funded for 3 years subject to satisfactory annual performance and progression review, and will provide for tuition fees and a tax-free stipend paid monthly.

Please note that there are more projects than funded studentships available and therefore this is a competitive application process which will include an interview. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview in person or via Teams. After interview the most outstanding applicants will be offered a studentship.

Queries about the application process are welcome and should be directed by email to [Email Address Removed].

Informal enquiries about individual projects should be directed to the lead supervisor listed for each project.

Application details

• Complete the Expression of Interest Form 2023
• Provide copies of transcripts and certificates of all relevant academic and/or any professional qualifications.
• Provide references from two individuals

Completed forms, including all relevant documents should be submitted via-email to [Email Address Removed]

Please note: if you do not attach all the relevant documentation prior to the closing date of 15 June 2023 your application will not be considered.