Pattern Reconfigurable Antennas for future wireless communication systems

Wireless communication systems expanding at a very high rate with high capacity requirements. Social media applications and life style choices have resulted in very high data rates. Frequency re-use techniques can be employed to enhance capacity if reconfigurable narrow beam antenna designs can be developed. Phased array antennas are capable of producing reconfigurable beams, however these antenna arrays require larger space to be installed. This project will look into developing low profile, broadband, pattern reconfigurable single feed antenna design to address these requirements. Such designs also need to have capabilities to cover the azimuth plane with fine resolution and also have capabilities to cover the elevation plane to some extent for applications in urban areas. Applicants with electronic engineering background with interest in electromagnetics are welcome to apply.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for the above PhD topic please follow the steps below:

1. Contact the supervisor by email or phone to discuss your interest and find out if you would be suitable. Supervisor details can be found on this topic page. The supervisor will guide you in developing the topic-specific research proposal, which will form part of your application.
2. Click on the 'Apply here' button on this page and you will be taken to the relevant PhD course page, where you can apply using an online application.
3. Complete the online application indicating your selected supervisor and include the research proposal for the topic you have selected.

Good luck!

This is a self funded topic

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. See more information here: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Research-degrees/Research-degree-funding. The UK Government is also offering Doctoral Student Loans for eligible students, and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.

Meet the Supervisor(s)

Nila Nilavalan - Dr. R. Nilavalan obtained the B.Sc. Eng. in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (First Class) from University of Peradeniya, SriLanka in 1995 and his PhD in Near-field microwave imaging from University of Bristol, UK in 2001. From 1999 to 2005 he was a researcher at Centre for Communications Research (CCR), Bristol University working in the field of Radio Frequency Engineering.  He was member of the European commission, Network of Excellence on Antennas from 2002 - 2005. He joined Brunel University London in September 2005 as a lecturer in wireless communications. Professional Memberships and Services

• Senior member of the IEEE
• Member of the IET
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy