Metamaterial-based reconfigurable antennas with dynamic radiation pattern functionality

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Nowadays mobile communication systems are experiencing a substantial demand in data rates due to a large number of emerging applications that include mobile communications, data transfer and intelligent transport. This very large data traffic is expected to continue increasing in the next decade. To achieve this high data traffic, mm-wave bands could be explored to provide multi-Gbps broadband access to mobile users. With this feature, mm-wave bands are seen as key technology enablers for future 5G wireless mobile networks. However at mm-wave bands, wireless communication systems using conventional antenna systems suffer from high path loss, which reduces their performances significantly in terms of coverage and capacity. To overcome these challenges, we propose in this project to develop new electronically tunable metamaterials with desirable electromagnetic properties and apply them for the design of advanced metamaterial-based reconfigurable antennas with dynamic radiation pattern capability to offer reliable and compact alternative to current mm-wave antenna technologies. To address this objective, first we will conduct theoretical as well as experimental investigations on metamaterial unit cells at millimeter-wave bands. This will be followed by the design and development of reconfigurable antennas with dynamic radiation pattern using these newly developed materials whose properties appear promising. The broad vision of this project starting from the development of new metamaterial unit cells to its industrial applications makes this project unique and of critical importance for the future 5G and beyond wireless communication systems at mm-wave bands.The proposed project will take advantage of our research team's strong expertise in both antenna design and metamaterials. Research efforts will be oriented towards the design of new tunable metamaterial structures to use them for developing reconfigurable antennas with dynamic radiation pattern. The new knowledge that will emerge from this project and the training of highly qualified personnel associated to the different stages of this work will certainly contribute to enhance Canada's global competitiveness in this high-technology sector.