PhD project in Sub-Terahertz Antennas for 3D Heterogeneous Integration

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

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Overview

With the escalating demand for high data rates, the currently utilized electromagnetic (EM) spectrum faces congestion, limiting data movement and creating bottlenecks in communications. To address these challenges, communication systems are expanding into higher frequencies, where the sub-terahertz-band (100 GHz to 300 GHz) offers large, untapped bandwidth and significant potential for high data-rate applications. However, operating within the band presents unique challenges due to the absence of sufficiently efficient RF electronics that meet the stringent size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints required for compact systems. Current silicon technology suffers from low efficiency, making it crucial to develop advanced integration and packaging solutions to realize viable high-performance systems.

This project proposes to investigate the design and integration of sub-terahertz antennas and arrays operating in the G-band, with a focus on creating compact, high-efficiency phased arrays and massive MIMO systems. The study will incorporate silicon-based RF integrated circuits (ICs) and III-V compound semiconductor MMICs, aiming to achieve compact, high-performance, cost-effective sub-terahertz antennas with 3D heterogeneous integration for future data-intensive applications.

The proposed project seeks to develop sub-terahertz antenna architectures and integration techniques optimized for sub-terahertz communications, specifically targeting the design of antennas that integrate seamlessly with silicon and III-V semiconductor technologies.

The project will explore various advanced packaging techniques to enhance antenna efficiency and compactness at sub-terahertz frequencies. Examples include glass-based packaging, which offers a high level of thermal stability and precision for antenna interconnections, and additive manufacturing methods, which allow for flexible and cost-effective production of complex antenna structures.

A comprehensive approach will be taken to:
1. Develop high-efficiency MMIC-based sub-terahertz antenna arrays suited for sub-terahertz frequencies. Integrate III-V RF electronics with advanced silicon-based interconnect technologies, achieving compact and effective 3D heterogeneous integration.
2. Investigate cost-effective packaging techniques that enhance the performance of antenna arrays while maintaining SWaP constraints.
3. Explore new antenna architectures, including planar and non-planar configurations, to support high-performance communication and sensing.
The expected outcomes include a demonstration of a scalable transmit and receive array capable of operating at 220 GHz, optimized for efficiency and compactness. The findings will contribute to the advancement of high-performance G-band systems, addressing the requirements for efficient, integrated, and scalable sub-terahertz 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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