Advanced agile antennas, innovative materials, circuits and systems: radiofrequency to terahertz

为了满足对高性能无线系统（高吞吐量、低延迟、高连接数）的不断增长的需求，需要推进以下关键技术：新型天线、毫米波频率（特别是60 GHz）、大规模多输入多输出（M-MIMO）和轨道角动量（OAM）。对于第六代（6 G）通信网络的超宽带无线传输，太赫兹（THz）频段（100 GHz至30 THz）也是必不可少的。该研究计划的主要目标是探索和开发新的天线技术，创新材料，新电路和新的无线硬件架构，用于未来的通信和雷达系统。 本提案将研究新型波束控制天线，在现代应用电磁学的关键组成部分。传统的相控阵具有复杂、高功耗和高成本的缺点。申请人提出的实现图案灵活性的技术是基于可重构衬底集成的频率选择性结构。该方法具有体积小、成本低、集成度高、性能好、易于制作等优点，在28 GHz频段得到了成功应用。需要在这个新领域进行进一步的研究，以达到60 GHz和THz频段，其中需要敏捷天线来补偿路径损耗。此外，新的时变电路将通过使用基板集成的频率选择性结构进行分析，以开发新的接收器和收发器系统，是基于无磁循环器和谐波频率转换器。此外，创新的天线将被开发用于未来的无线局域网（WLAN）接入点。新的调频连续波雷达将采用捷变天线，包括频率调制。将研究和开发用于新兴大规模MIMO系统的创新材料，并将实施具有OAM辐射的波束控制天线。实现这一研究计划的目标需要大量的理论研究，表征，建模，分析，以及制造和实际验证的融合。由于本研究计划的各种相关研究项目，结果将有助于计算电动力学，特别是时域有限差分法的进步。为了增强物理洞察力和减少计算时间，还将开发分析方法。 总之，这项研究计划将为通信和雷达系统带来新的技术和工艺。预计许多加拿大无线通信，安全，运输和卫生部门的行业将从这项研究计划的技术成果中受益匪浅，并通过该计划的高素质人员获得领先的知识和专业知识来提高劳动力。

To satisfy the ever-increasing demands for ultimate-performing wireless systems (high throughput, low latency, high number of connections), the following key technologies need to be advanced: novel antennas, millimeter-wave frequencies (especially 60GHz), Massive-Multiple Input Multiple Output (M-MIMO), and Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM). For ultra-wideband wireless transmission of sixth-generation (6G) communication networks, the terahertz (THz) band (100GHz to 30THz) is also essential. The main objective of this research program is to explore and develop new antenna technologies, innovative materials, new circuits, and new wireless hardware architectures for future communication and radar systems. This proposal will investigate novel beam steering antennas that are key components in modern applied electromagnetics. Conventional phased arrays have the drawback of complexity, high power consumption, and high cost. A technique proposed by the applicant to achieve pattern agility is based on reconfigurable substrate integrated frequency selective structures. The proposed method was applied successfully at 28GHz, owing to its merits of compactness, low cost, high-level integration, high performance, and ease of fabrication. Further research in this new field is required to reach 60GHz and THz bands, where agile antennas are needed to compensate for path loss. Also, new time-varying circuits will be analyzed by using substrate integrated frequency selective structures in order to develop new receiver and transceiver systems that are based on magnet-free circulators and harmonic-less frequency converters. Further, innovative antennas will be developed for future Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) access points. New Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave radars will be developed by using agile antennas that incorporate frequency modulation. Innovative materials will be investigated and developed for emerging Massive-MIMO systems and beam-steering antennas with OAM radiations will be implemented. Achieving the objectives of this research program requires substantial amalgamation of theoretical investigation, characterisation, modeling, analysis, as well as fabrication and practical validation. Thanks to the various interrelated research projects of this research program, results will contribute to the progress of computational electrodynamics, especially the finite-difference time-domain method. To enhance physical insights and decrease computational times, analytical methods will be developed as well. In sum, this research program will result in novel technologies and techniques for communication and radar systems. It is expected that many Canadian industries in wireless communications, security, transport, and health sectors will benefit substantially from the technical outcomes of this research program, as well as an enhanced workforce to draw upon through the program's Highly Qualified Personnel who will acquire leading-edge knowledge and expertise.