Project Info
Manipulating Surface Waves to Improve Antenna Array Performance – Design and Measurement
Peter Aaen
paaen@mines.edu
Project Goals and Description:
The performance of tightly packed antenna arrays are often limited by the mutual coupling that is a result of the propagation of surface waves as the antenna elements all share a common ground plane. There has been significant research to develop coupling reduction techniques using meta-materials, ground defect structures and other techniques. In this project we will design an experimental platform that will allow us to verify the propagation and later suppression of surface waves. The project will consist of multiple parts (1) designing a launching system for surface waves (2) development of a test-approach where the fields of the surface wave can be verified (3) the testing of structures and circuits called electromagnetic-band gaps that will suppress surface waves. After the design are developed using electromagnetic simulation, the circuits will be fabricated and measured using an electro-optic test bench.
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
</div>
</div>
</div>
More Information:
Grand Challenge: Engineer the tools of scientific discovery.
<ol>
<li>A. Jafargholi, A. Jafargholi and J. H. Choi, "Mutual Coupling Reduction in an Array of Patch Antennas Using CLL Metamaterial Superstrate for MIMO Applications," in <em>IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation</em>, vol. 67, no. 1, pp. 179-189, Jan. 2019.</li>
<li><em>J. Appl. Phys.</em> 101, 114913 (2007), <a href="https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2739312" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2739312</a></li>
</ol>
Primary Contacts:
Peter Aaen, paaen@mines.edu
Student Preparation
Qualifications
The student should have complete their 3rd year electromagnetic course.
Be comfortable with situation and data analysis in matlab
Interest in learning measurements at microwave frequencies.
TIME COMMITMENT (HRS/WK)
3-5
SKILLS/TECHNIQUES GAINED
The student will gain significant experience in several areas.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>First they will learn how to develop and manage a program of research and learn how to create search plans.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The student will then learn how to perform microwave measurements and simulation and data analysis techniques using HFSS
MENTORING PLAN
The student will join Dr. Aaen’s research team and have frequent interactions with him and his students. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Once the objectives of the project have been agreed upon the student will meet with Dr. Aaen every two weeks to share progress, present results and plan next steps. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The students will also be able to interact with other research students and Dr. Aaen either in person or via the team’s slack group.
Preferred Student Status
Senior