Signal Processing Techniques for Dynamic Metasurface Antennas

To achieve the ambitious goals of beyond 5G communication systems, metasurfaces are envisioned as pivotal technologies. Metasurfaces consist of meta-elements that can dynamically alter their material properties through electronic means. Various forms of metasurfaces, such as reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), OMNI surfaces, STAR-RIS, and dynamic metasurface antennas (DMAs), have been highlighted in the literature for their significant benefits across electromagnetic, hardware, signal processing, and wireless communication domains. Several working prototypes have also been documented.

This internship specifically focuses on DMAs. DMAs utilize metasurfaces composed of subwavelength meta-atoms (such as patches, dipoles, or other structures) to dynamically control and manipulate electromagnetic waves. These meta-atoms can be electronically tuned or switched to modify properties such as reflection, transmission, absorption, and phase of electromagnetic waves. This dynamic control enables functionalities like beam steering, beam shaping, polarization control, and frequency agility, which can be adjusted in real time to meet changing communication requirements and environmental conditions. By facilitating beam steering and frequency agility through electronic means, DMAs can simplify traditional antenna design while significantly enhancing precision and responsiveness, hence providing an energy-, space-, and cost-efficient solutions for implementing massive MIMO transceivers.
The prospective candidate will work on the mathematical modeling of DMAs and devise low-complexity beamforming and channel estimation techniques. Additionally, we can explore DMAs for various applications, depending on the progress.

The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong understanding of optimization, signal processing, and mathematics in wireless communications. The candidate will be part of a large IMEC team working on the research, implementation, and prototyping of future communication systems. Candidates should be enrolled in a Master's program in Electrical Engineering or a related field with a background in signal processing.
 

Type of Project: Combination of internship and thesis 

Master's degree: Master of Engineering Science 

Master program: Electrotechnics/Electrical Engineering; Other 

Duration: 6 months 

For more information or application, please contact Mamoun Guenach (mamoun.guenach@imec.be) and Muteen Munawar (muteen.munawar@imec.be)

Imec allowance will be provided for students studying at a non-Belgian university.