Dynamic Metasurface Antennas: From modeling to signal processing

This research position specifically focuses on investigating the potential of DMAs to enable energy-efficient analog front-ends (AFEs), beyond the traditional antenna array design. DMAs utilize metasurfaces composed of subwavelength meta-atoms (such as patches, dipoles, or other structures) to dynamically control and manipulate electromagnetic waves. These meta-atoms can be electronically tuned or switched to modify properties such as the reflection, transmission, absorption, and phase of electromagnetic waves. This dynamic control enables functionalities like beam steering, beam shaping, polarization control, and frequency agility, which can be adjusted in real-time to meet changing communication requirements and environmental conditions.

The prospective candidate will conduct research on the design and modeling of DMAs. This research will involve a detailed analysis of the electromagnetic properties and behaviors of DMA elements, focusing on evaluating cost, complexity, and performance trade-offs compared to traditional antenna systems. The candidate will explore various dimensions of DMAs, including frequency, polarization, phase, amplitude, gain, and directivity. More specifically, it involves designing and simulating DMA models using software such as HFSS and CST Microwave Studio, with a focus on integrating compatible signal processing techniques. These models will be analyzed as potential replacements for traditional antenna systems in wireless systems.

Additionally, the candidate may explore end-to-end complexity-efficient signal processing and algorithms with DMA and traditional antenna array-based AFEs. The signal processing includes, but is not limited to, beamforming design, integration of DMAs and RISs into cell-free wireless systems, and new DMA-based passive modulation techniques to name a few. For this purpose, he/she will  closely interact with  experts working on physical layer design for the various applications, including RIS.

The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong understanding of optimization, electromagnetic theory, antennas and propagation, signal processing, and advanced mathematical skills in wireless communications. The candidate will join a large IMEC team operating at both IMEC Leuven and the University of Ghent, sharing your time between both institutions. At IMEC Leuven, you will be part of the Advanced RF program and will get to interact with both technology and signal processing experts with many years of experience. At the University of Ghent, you will join the IDLab Electromagnetics research group and collaborate with other PhD researchers, post-doctoral researchers, as well as your supervising professor. Your work will leverage the fundamental principles of electromagnetics to accelerate the research, implementation, and prototyping of future wireless communication systems.