Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

A near and far-field measurement system for characterizing Millimeter-wave (mmWave) metasurfaces and high gain 2D planar antennas is requested in this application. Metasurfaces are wave transformation tools that can convert given input Electromagnetic (EM) waves into desired output waves in freespace, to achieve rich wave propagation control. The system is primarily designed for characterizing these EM metasurfaces under far-field illuminations, by measuring the scattered fields around it for known input fields. Carleton University already has a KA band (26.5 - 40 GHz) near-field and far-field metasurface system, and this proposal aims to extend its measurement capabilities to the V-band by adding a compatible Vector Network Analyzer with frequency extenders.The same systems can also measure the planar near-field distributions and far-field radiation patterns of planar antennas, without adding further cost or system complexity, thereby making it truly multifunctional. Considering that such a system for metasurface measurements is commercially available on special orders only with prohibitively large costs, an on-site system construction by proper assembly of various well established mechanical parts and electrical components, is the only effective and a practical way to realizethis system in terms of cost, measurement flexibility and desired frequency bands of operation. The requested system is critical in advancing the research on mmWave metasurfaces and their applications in wireless communication. For instance, these metasurfaces act as smart wave scatterers that can be installed in strategic locations in a given environment to intelligently route EM signals by avoiding various physical obstacles, thereby providing superior data communication and network coverage, on top of the existing WiFi and wired connections. Such novel mmWave technologies are attractive in the context of 5G and next generation wireless networks, to support an anticipated 1000 fold increase in data capacity in the coming years. The requested system is thus an indispensable tool in characterizing these metasurfaces, and will represent one-of-a-kind system in Canada, boosting both the fundamental research on mmWave metasurfaces and the applied research in the area of wireless communication networks. Consequently, this equipment once acquired, will drive the metasurface research by transcending it to novel practical 5G wireless system technology to be used in dense urban environments. The requested system also is a dream project for graduate students and Postdoctoral Fellows with a unique opportunity to build a custom made in-house equipment, offering a great opportunity for hands-on training. Without doubt, it will be a catalyst to bring Canada on the forefront of mmWave metamaterial research.