Optically transparent microwave metasurfaces at Loughborough (OpTiMAL) (Ref: FP-WW-2024)

Metasurfaces can be used to control the reflection or transmission of electromagnetic waves. Therefore, they can be used for wireless communication and wireless sensing. For example, they are widely proposed to be used to augment the signal strength in deadzones for future 5G wireless communications. This 3 year PhD will design metasurfaces that can reflect or/and transmit an electromagnetic wave in the required direction. An extension of a static metasurface will be to make the surfaces reconfigurable so they can be actively changed to steer the beam in different directions. By making the surfaces out of optically transparent materials, they can potentially be placed on building or vehicle windows.

The successful applicant will require knowledge and skills in electromagnetics, coding, maths, computer simulation, electronic circuit design, and RF measurements.

The School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering has seen 100% of its research impact rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (REF, 2021).

Supervisors

• Primary Supervisor: Prof. Will Whittow

Entry requirements

Students should have already achieved the equivalent of a 1st Class degree in Electrical Engineering. Please note, you must have already completed at least the BEng degree.

Students must pass the English language criteria and ideally have this before applying.

The successful applicant MUST arrive in the UK by July 2025.

A highly desirable criteria is to have published / submitted high quality journal / conference papers on topics related to metasurfaces.

English language requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

How to apply

Applications should be made online. Under programme name, select ‘Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering/Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering’ and quote the advert reference number FP-WW-2024 in your application.  

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit your CV and the minimum supporting documents.

The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application. 

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