Equipment for Characterization of Microwave and Millimetre-Wave Electromagnetic Metasurfaces and Metagratings

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Electromagnetic metasurfaces (EMMSs) encompass a wide range of artificially-engineered structures that can achieve extraordinary manipulation of electromagnetic waves. Applied to radio waves in the microwave and millimetre-wave frequency range, the capabilities of these surfaces can be harnessed to realize new functions and capabilities in antennas and sensing devices used in a wide array of applications including satellite communication, 5G wireless, imaging, and RADAR systems. Researchers at the University of Toronto have pioneered a number of unique EMMS architectures and designs that show significant promise in advancing the capabilities of next-generation wireless and sensing systems, including reflectarrays, transmitarrays, frequency-selective surfaces, impedance surfaces, and metasurfaces/metagratings.******The accurate design of EMMSs depends on accurate characterization of their properties and scattering behaviour. Measurements of these properties require extremely accurate experimental setups, especially as devices migrate to higher frequency bands that many emerging wireless systems, such as satellite and 5G, target. This proposal describes two sets of components that will greatly enhance our capability to carry out accurate characterization of EMMSs. The first system of components implement part of a quasi-optical setup that will allow the fundamental quantities used to characterize EMMSs (e.g. surface polarizabilities) to be accurately measured up to 60 GHz. The second set of components will add to the capabilities of an existing near-field scanning system that will increase its accuracy for measuring large EMMSs from 4-60 GHz. These include calibration horns and mechanical components to make this possible. Both sets of requested components will leverage major investments already made in each respective facility.******The proposed equipment is vital to supporting the experimental efforts of numerous research programs managed by the applicants, many of which interface with industry. As such, the equipment will play a pivotal role in providing useful experimental infrastructure for industrially-sponsored projects, in which physical demonstrations are a key currency in securing continued buy-in from companies as we pass various technology readiness gates with them in developing emerging technology. Importantly, there is substantial training potential for trainees in not only gaining practical skills in the use of state-of-the-art equipment, but also engagement in practical projects with industrial partners that will greatly improve the readiness of highly qualified personnel to join the workforce, be it in industry or academia. Collectively, the proposed equipment will enable deep research impact in a breadth of ongoing activities in the EMMS field at the University of Toronto.**