RF/Microwave Smart Sensors for the Next Generation of Real-time Detection and Control

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In the past two decades, global investment in the development of novel sensing devices has increased dramatically due to the demand for continuous monitoring. Applications range from optimization of the heavy oil refining process to incorporating sensors for healthcare. However, most currently used monitoring and detection systems still suffer from large size distribution, high power consumption, and limited capability for real-time and non-invasive detection of multiple parameters simultaneously. On the other hand, the Internet of Things (IoT) has taken the need for sensors to a completely different level. Sensors are the key factor in IoT success, and they need to evolve into more sophisticated structures to perform technically and economically viable roles by a robust low-power sensing platform with the potential to integrate into inaccessible and harsh environments. RF/microwave sensing holds tremendous potential to meet this critical need because of its low cost, high sensitivity, and potential for non-invasive and wireless sensing. Planar resonator-based structures have recently been used extensively for microwave sensing due to the compact design and highly accurate detection with very small amounts of the sample under test. These features make resonator-based sensors an ideal candidate for real-time noncontact detection and monitoring systems. However, there are critical challenges related to the performance of available microwave sensors, such as low sensitivity and resolution. The long-term objective of my research program is to increase the usability of microwave sensors by developing novel high-resolution distant sensors that can be integrated into a larger sensory platform. My research proposes developing high-resolution, low-power smart sensing and detection devices to integrate into a massive sensor deployment and real-time data acquisition for control and optimization in various real-life applications such as smart farming. The specific objectives of the proposed research program are: 1) Enhance distance and selectivity of microwave sensors. 2) Leveraging microwave circuits to develop a standalone or modular system as feedback for on-demand control. 3) Integration of RF energy harvesting designs with chipless microwave sensors and validating its performance by applying it to multivariable analysis applications. The proposed microwave sensing platforms will attract an extensive network of cross-disciplinary collaborations and create an excellent training environment. My long-term vision is to see microwave sensors as a mainstream alternative for real-time non-invasive sensing and this smaller, more efficient, or cheaper devices sustain commercial needs of Canadian industrial partners by continued academic exploration of their useful properties. The proposed research program affords unique and ample opportunities to train HQP in a wide range of tools and techniques, much of which originated in Canada, to remain and grow in Canada.