EPSRC Industrial CASE PhD Studentship in Beam Steering for 5G Communications

Location Cambridge

Applications are invited for an EPSRC industrial CASE (iCASE) PhD studentship in the area of reconfigurable array for 5G communications, sponsored by National Physical Laboratory (NPL). The next generation (5G) communications won’t just deliver a much faster connection and higher data capacity. It focus on user experience and promises to provide low energy consumption and seamless reliable connectivity to connect billions of people and trillions of things. Align with the NPL Digital sector 5G strategy, this project aims to research on reconfigurable beam steering sensor arrays that is suitable for 5G communications by using existing automated LC display manufacturing techniques. The main technical objective is to investigate novel designs, implementations, and measurement methodologies of LC-based electronically reconfigurable beam steering sensor arrays which will have low profile, high gain, light weight and low cost. The research will involve both experimental and theoretical studies working and involve close collaboration with experts in NPL.

The student will be based in the Department of Engineering. The research involved will take a multi-disciplinary approach to tackle big and open challenges with an aim to enable greater adoption of reconfigurable liquid crystal technology in beam steering to data delivery route. It will include: 1) A literature review over state-of-the-art on LC technologies and beam steering arrays for 5G communications; 2) Perform theoretical study, conduct computer modelling and simulation to predict the sensor array performance; 3) Design, implementation, and optimisation of a LC-based reconfigurable mechanism for 5G beam steering sensor arrays; 4) Develop measurement methodologies to experimental verify the reconfigurable beam steering sensor arrays performance.

The applicant should have (or expect to obtain by the start date) at least a good 2:1 (and preferably a Masters degree) in engineering or a related subject such as physics or materials, strong mathematical ability and an enquiring and rigorous approach to research together with a strong intellect and disciplined work habits. Good team-working, observational and communication skills are essential.

This is a 4-year iCASE PhD studentship with effect from 1st October 2018, covering: the University Composition Fee for Home/EU candidates only and a tax-free stipend for those with a UK resident status. For informal enquires please contact Prof Daping Chu (email: [Email Address Removed]) or Prof Tian Hong Loh (email: [Email Address Removed]).

Students from overseas are not eligible for this studentship and should not apply.

Applications should be submitted via the University of Cambridge Graduate Admissions web pages https://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/students/gradadmissions/prospec/apply/, with Prof Daping Chu identified as the potential supervisor.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.