PhD Studentship: Suppressing Incoherent Scatter in THz Communications

Join the University of Birmingham for groundbreaking PhD research to make 6G possible!

Future radio communication systems (6G and beyond) will use frequencies above 100 GHz to achieve bit rates of the order of 1 Tbps. In the terahertz (THz) band the wavelength is so small that it interacts through reflection, scattering and diffraction with the environmental microstructure, such as sub-millimetre surface roughness, and undergoes absorption and scattering by molecules and suspended particulates in the atmosphere. Any viable mobile radio communications technology at THz frequencies must operate both in line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight conditions and must therefore overcome incoherent scatter and speckle arising from single-bounce reflections in the environment to ensure that the channel coherence bandwidth and thus bit rate are maximised.

The PhD project will explore new techniques to overcome incoherent scattering in THz communications. The overall research aim is to lay down a measurement-informed theoretical framework that quantify the viability of the approaches.

The PhD candidate should have completed (or about to complete) their undergraduate degree in engineering or physics (preferably with first class honours or equivalent). The PhD candidate is expected to have a keen interest in electromagnetism and communication systems.

University of Birmingham is committed to promote diversity and equality, and to encourage better practice for all members of the community, whilst also working towards developing an equitable working culture in which all students and staff can achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented groups STEM subjects including, but not limited to, women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic.

The research programme will take place in the interdisciplinary environment of the Communication and Electromagnetics group (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/centres-institutes/research-in-electronic-electrical-and-systems-engineering/communications-and-sensing/communications-electromagnetics) and Metamaterials and Nanophotonics group (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/centres-institutes/research-in-physics-and-astronomy/quantum-matter-and-photonics/metamaterials-and-nanophotonics), which will substantially favour collaboration opportunities within University of Birmingham and afield.

You can apply here: https://sits.bham.ac.uk/lpages/EPS019.htm (engineering programme) or https://sits.bham.ac.uk/lpages/EPS005.htm (physics programme) clearly stating the title of the project and the name of the supervisor (Dr. Miguel Navarro-Cía)

Funding notes:

Applications are sought from highly motivated students graduating with first degree (2:1 or higher) in physics or engineering (and preferably a MSci/MEng degree).

Funding is awarded on a competitive basis, depending on the strength of the applicant. The funding is only available to UK or EU nationals with (pre-)settled status, and it will cover tuition fees and provide a stipend for 3.5 years.

For details of the funding available and advice on making your application, please contact: m.navarro-cia@bham.ac.uk

Advert information