Metamaterial Component Design for Terahertz Instruments (Suitable for Physics or RF/microwave Engineering)

A self-funded PhD position in Microwave to Submillimeter-wave (Terahertz) Component Design is available in the Birmingham Emerging Device Technology (EDT) Research Lab, one of the leading interdisciplinary research groups within the School of Engineering’s Department of Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering.

A focus area of research within the Emerging Device Technology (EDT) laboratory is to develop novel metamaterial-based components for terahertz instruments. The aim of the PhD is to investigate novel methodologies that can be applied to passive components such as couplers, power-dividers, resonators and filters.

To achieve these goals, a combination of physics, RF and material engineering will be applied to model new component structures and topologies for achieving high-performance at high-frequencies. Most specifically to this PhD, the student will experiment on prototypes with a wide range of materials and technologies such as micromachining, 3D-printing, and two-photon polymerization.

Specific tasks include:

- Investigation of metamaterial concepts and RF component synthesis using 3D EM modelling tools (e.g., CST, HFSS and Matlab)

- Fabrication of physical prototypes and testing of the electromagnetic performance such as return loss, insertion loss, group delay.

- The development and characterization of the construction methodologies for creating microscale or terahertz-based components.

- Contribute to scientific talks, conferences, meetings, discussions and other group activities.

The project will suit someone wishing to conduct a PhD in the fields of RF/microwave engineering and physics. It will provide an opportunity to develop a wide range of engineering skills and experience in state-of-the-art component design, fabrication, and measurements. The PhD will be hosted by the School of Engineering, however, the student will work across colleges, occupy labs with the group, and be encouraged to collaborate with our wider network.

To apply: Please send a CV and covering letter to [email protected]. Your letter should explain your relevant experience and why you are a suitable candidate for the project. Informal enquiries are welcome.