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

为了满足日益增长的高性能无线系统(高吞吐量、低延迟、高连接数量)的需求，需要改进以下关键技术：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(6G)通信网络的超宽带无线传输，太赫兹(THz)频段(100 GHz至30THz)也是必不可少的。该研究计划的主要目标是为未来的通信和雷达系统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。这项提案将研究现代应用电磁学中的关键部件--新型波束控制天线。传统的相控阵具有结构复杂、功耗高、成本高等缺点。申请人提出的实现图案敏捷性的技术是基于可重新配置的基板集成频率选择结构。该方法具有结构紧凑、成本低、集成度高、性能好、易于制作等优点，已成功应用于28 GHz频段。这一新领域的进一步研究需要达到60 GHz和THz频段，需要灵活的天线来补偿路径损耗。此外，还将利用衬底集成频率选择结构来分析新的时变电路，以开发基于无磁环行器和无谐波变频器的新的接收器和收发机系统。此外，将为未来的无线局域网(WLAN)接入点开发创新的天线。新的调频连续波雷达将通过使用结合调频的灵活天线来开发。将为新兴的大规模MIMO系统研究和开发创新材料，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理论研究、表征、建模、分析以及制造和实际验证的实质性融合。由于这一研究计划的各种相关研究项目，其结果将有助于计算电动力学的进步，特别是时域有限差分方法。为了增强物理洞察力和减少计算时间，还将开发分析方法。总而言之，这项研究计划将为通信和雷达系统带来新的技术和技术。预计加拿大无线通信、安全、运输和卫生部门的许多行业将从这项研究计划的技术成果以及通过该计划获得尖端知识和专业知识的高素质人员所利用的更多劳动力中受益匪浅。

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.