EPSRC logo

Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/C00230X/1
Title: Millimeter Wave Characterisation and Control of Non Linear Dielectrics With Advanced Antenna Applications
Principal Investigator: Cahill, Dr R
Other Investigators:
Gamble, Professor H Fusco, Professor V Linton, Dr D
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Airbus Operations Limited STFC Laboratories (Grouped)
Department: Sch of Electronics, Elec Eng & Comp Sci
Organisation: Queen's University of Belfast
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 22 June 2005 Ends: 21 June 2008 Value (£): 243,328
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials Characterisation RF & Microwave Technology
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Communications Electronics
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
This work package represents a new approach to controlling the propagation characteristics of guided energy, which will be used to create novel antenna array structures for seeker, medical imaging and radiometry applications in the range 100GHz-350 GHz. A new class of tunable millimetre wave components is proposed, where the anisotropic property of non-linear dielectrics (NLD) is exploited to produce fully integrated phase shifting devices, which can be controlled using an externally applied dc voltage. This approach facilitates the potential to overcome the problems associated with the cost, size, loss and availability of these devices at millimetre frequencies, which is imposed by the limitations of semiconductor technology. Furthermore the integration of NLD devices within phased array antennas, offers the potential to create new radiating structures with improved functionality and control features that have previously never been demonstrated. To achieve the objectives, a systematic approach will be made to identify suitable non linear dielectrics, study strategies for controlling the permittivity, and measure the anistropic property of the materials in the range 100-350GHz. The functionality of NLD technology will be demonstrated by creating mm wave beamforming networks to electronically steer the radiation pattern which is generated by a non resonant Rotman lens and a resonant microstrip reflectarray antenna. A viable alternative to mechanical beam scanning for advanced antenna applications will therefore be demonstrated for the first time in this frequency band.
Key Findings
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Potential use in non-academic contexts
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Impacts
Description This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Summary
Date Materialised
Sectors submitted by the Researcher
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Project URL:  
Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.qub.ac.uk