Overview
Terahertz (THz) technology has seen rapid advancements, with significant developments in THz sources and detectors opening new possibilities in imaging applications. This frequency range, especially the sub-millimeter wave region (200-600 GHz), holds great potential for high-resolution imaging in fields like security, healthcare, and industrial monitoring. Terahertz imaging systems offer unique advantages for detecting concealed objects, analysing materials, and enabling remote sensing applications. However, the existing THz imaging systems are constrained by limitations in spatial resolution, field-of-view (FOV), and adaptability across varying distances, thereby restricting their operational effectiveness. This project aims to address these challenges by developing novel sub-millimeter wave antennas for terahertz imagers, designed for high-resolution and wide FOV imaging in near-field scenarios.
This project aims to develop a high-performance antenna system tailored specifically for imaging applications in the sub-millimeter wave region. Operating at 300 and 500 GHz, the proposed antenna systems will address key imaging requirements, including fine spatial resolution, wide field-of-view (FOV), and adaptability to varying imaging distances, making it suitable for applications such as security screening and industrial inspection.
The proposed design will investigate and optimize several antenna architectures to meet these objectives, exploring options like high-gain leaky-wave antennas for fast scanning capabilities, reconfigurable metasurface apertures for adaptive beam steering, and lens-based configurations for precise near-field focusing. By integrating these innovative antenna concepts, the project seeks to deliver:
1. Wide Field-of-View (FOV): An antenna system that enables large FOV imaging suitable for detecting objects at varying angles and positions, enhancing versatility for full-body scanning or expansive industrial monitoring applications.
2. High-Resolution Imaging: A design approach that prioritizes high-resolution, near-field imaging for short-range applications, allowing detailed visualization of objects with high accuracy.
3. Dynamic Adaptability: The incorporation of mechanisms for reconfigurable and adaptable focus adjustments, enabling the antenna system to maintain consistent imaging quality across different distances and angles.
By leveraging cutting-edge antenna architectures such as reconfigurable metasurfaces and leaky-wave designs, this project will create a versatile, high-resolution imaging solution tailored for the next generation of terahertz imaging systems. The anticipated outcomes include a prototype capable of efficient, real-time imaging at sub-millimeter wave frequencies, which will serve as a foundation for advancing terahertz imaging technology in security, healthcare, and industrial fields.
Funding Information
To be eligible for consideration for a Home DfE or EPSRC Studentship (covering tuition fees and maintenance stipend of approx. £19,237 per annum), a candidate must satisfy all the eligibility criteria based on nationality, residency and academic qualifications.
To be classed as a Home student, candidates must meet the following criteria and the associated residency requirements:
• Be a UK National,
or • Have settled status,
or • Have pre-settled status,
or • Have indefinite leave to remain or enter the UK.
Candidates from ROI may also qualify for Home student funding.
Previous PhD study MAY make you ineligible to be considered for funding.
Please note that other terms and conditions also apply.
Please note that any available PhD studentshi
Entrance requirements
Graduate
The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.
International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).
International students wishing to apply to Queen’s University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen’s University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
Find a supervisor
If you’re interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.
To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here.
You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.
