Adaptive electromagnetic metamaterial structures for emerging applications

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Communication Technology is a key federal government priority; by 2030 every Canadian will have access to universal high-speed internet. To achieve this, large investments in high-bandwidth 5G network technologies and low-earth orbit satellite technologies are being made. This research will support 5G and satellite technology by using the emerging science and technology of electromagnetic metasurfaces to reduce the latency, complexity, and cost of steerable and reconfigurable antennas, thus allowing transmission at significantly higher data rates with less interference. Widespread use of such disruptive technology will be possible not only in 5G and satellite networks, but also in automotive radar, biomedical imaging, and sensing applications. The program's long-term objective is to carry out innovative research in the area of adaptive electromagnetic structures based on metamaterial technology. In the short term, the research will focus on three main themes. The first theme is to develop compact reconfigurable metamaterial antennas and devices for next-generation broadband wireless communication systems. These will be placed on realistic platforms (e.g., mobile phones, tablets), and will be reconfigurable based on the demands of adaptive 5G networks. The second theme is to develop adaptive reconfigurable metasurfaces for the implementation of beam steering and absorption functionalities. Novel methods to reconfigure the adaptive metasurfaces will be investigated, including electronic, photonic and microfluidic techniques, with the end goal of producing optimal reconfigurable control networks for each case. The third theme is to develop compact and highly-efficient metamaterial and metasurface antennas suitable for implantable and wearable devices that form a part of larger bio-sensory networks. Critical to the success of the proposed research is the recruitment and training of HQP in an equitable and inclusive environment. A total of seven students will be employed in this program, who will have the opportunity to develop specialized skills in advanced RF technology which are highly valued and transferrable directly to industry. These skills include advanced electromagnetic methods; specialized antenna, microwave and photonic circuit design; advanced fabrication methods; and industry-standard testing and measurement techniques. These HQP will be uniquely suited to pursue RF engineering careers at Canadian companies developing telecommunications infrastructure, aerospace systems, biomedical devices, and internet-of-things (IoT) devices, where they will make significant contributions to the growing competitiveness and innovation capacity of the Canadian RF technology sector.