PhD project in Dual-Functional Millimeter-Wave Antennas for Integrated Sensing and Communication in 6G Networks

Location: United Kingdom
Application Deadline: 28 February 2025
Published: 1 week ago

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Overview

The emerging 6G network marks a revolutionary step beyond traditional communication by integrating advanced sensing capabilities, unlocking new possibilities across sectors like healthcare, transportation, and human-machine interactions. Notably, applications such as remote health monitoring, traffic system optimization, and gesture recognition exemplify 6G’s potential for profound societal impact. This evolution demands robust solutions to address the challenges presented by millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequencies—namely high path loss, coverage limitations, and frequent line-of-sight (LOS) blockages, especially in dynamic indoor environments. This project aims to design a dual-functional antenna system capable of simultaneous communication and radar-based sensing, for example, leveraging reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) for adaptable near-field and far-field operations in 6G-enabled indoor spaces.

The proposed research will develop unique mmWave antenna and array designs that allow simultaneous communication and sensing functions, particularly suited to the demands of 6G networks. Addressing the typical drawbacks at mmWave frequencies, the design will utilize shared aperture antennas for efficient resource allocation between communication and MIMO radar sensing, thus enhancing indoor coverage and reliability without excessive hardware requirements. By focusing on novel antenna structures capable of high-resolution beam forming and holographic beam focusing, the project aims to enable precise user equipment (UE) positioning, adaptable to real-time movement in indoor settings.

Key innovations of the design include:
1. A dual-functional antenna array capable of high-resolution MIMO radar and communication, facilitating holographic beam forming in near-field and far-field conditions.
2. Real-time adaptability to changing UE positions, creating virtual LOS links and overcoming common mmWave coverage issues.
3. Optimization for shared use of resources (e.g., time, frequency), thereby minimizing hardware costs and improving integration within 6G networks.

Anticipated outcomes of the project include the successful demonstration of a prototype mmWave antenna system, the validation of the dual-functional design for resilient UE tracking, and a substantial contribution to practical dual-function antenna solutions for next-generation communication networks.

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 studentships will be allocated on a competitive basis across a number of projects currently being advertised by the School.

A small number of international awards will be available for allocation across the School. An international award is not guaranteed to be available for this project, and competition across the School for these awards will be highly competitive.

Academic Requirements:

The minimum academic requirement for admission is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI Higher Education provider in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

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.

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