Millimeter Wave Antennas for Wireless Communications and Imaging Applications

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Recently, there has been increasing interest and rapid growth in millimeter (mm)-wave antennas and devices for use in diverse applications, services and technologies such as short-range communication, future mm-wave mobile communication for the fifth generation (5G) cellular networks, and sensor and imaging systems. Due to the corresponding smaller wavelength, mm-wave frequencies offer the advantage of physically smaller antennas and circuits as well as the availability of much wider bandwidth compared to microwave frequencies. In addition they provide additional spectrum for wireless communications. For example, mm-wave is capable of supporting the needed high data rate capacity and speed for high definition video streaming used in Wireless Personal Area Networks. The planned 5G cellular networks base stations and mobile devices will essentially make use of mm-wave frequency bands to meet consumers' ever growing demand for high data rate and capacity from wireless service providers. Also, mm-wave-based imaging systems have attractive characteristics including high penetration ability for different types of clothes, very low penetration for living tissues, less physical personal intrusion and safer doses of radiation. They are useful for imaging and body penetrating applications such as homeland security, medical imaging, and defence applications. These systems could be used instead of traditional X-ray systems, which have higher levels of radiation and thus limited use per person. Millimeter-wave antenna design is considered as the first step for realizing mm-wave wireless communication and imaging systems. Design requirements for such antennas include highly directional patterns - for long transmission range and high detection sensitivity - and size reduction with a suitable impedance matching bandwidth.**The proposed research program in mm-wave antennas and related applications addresses the market demand for compact high efficient antennas for next generation wireless communications, sensing and imaging systems. Antennas with high gain produce very directive narrow beam for high resolution sensing as well as reduce the demand for power requirements and consumptions by wireless systems. The program will focus on investigation and development of mm-wave high gain broadband antenna elements and arrays that cover multiple mm-wave frequency bands to serve several applications. It will address design challenging problems related to difficulties of realizing efficient broadband radiators with high gain at frequencies above 30 GHz. The proposed research also addresses challenges associated with the implementation of mm-wave antennas and how their performance can be measured, assessed and improved. Developing high gain directional mm-wave antennas for long transmission range and high resolution imaging applications needs an extensive and concurrent research in applied electromagnetics as well as antenna design techniques. In addition to characterizing and improving such mm-wave antennas and devices, we will use proper fabrication and measurement facilities for mm-wave antennas prototyping and testing. The development of such antennas will be realized considering both the low cost Printed Circuit Board (PCB) process and the Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic (LTCC) technology that is typically used for 3D passive components and packaging. **The proposed research program provides insight into the required atmosphere, design process and challenges associated with mm-wave antennas, systems and related emerging applications. It incorporates research-based hands-on principles and activities for the training of highly qualified personnel who will be equipped with the expertise to tackle Canada's scientific research priorities.