Skip to main content

Ultrawideband Antenna designs with stable radiation patterns

Ultrawideband (UWB) antennas are used across a wide range of advanced engineering applications, from high‑resolution radar systems to secure communication links and short‑range sensing technologies.

Although many UWB antenna designs have been developed in recent years, lots of them show noticeable changes in their radiation patterns across the operating bandwidth. That instability can affect system performance, reduce detection accuracy in radar work, and limit the reliability of communication links.

This self‑funded project explores ways to overcome these limitations by developing UWB antenna solutions that keep their radiation patterns stable over a wide frequency range. The research will look at novel design techniques, advanced optimisation strategies, and potentially new antenna geometries or materials to achieve consistent, predictable performance across the full operational bandwidth.

The ideal candidate will hold an Honours or Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering, Wireless Communications, or a closely related discipline. We particularly welcome applicants with knowledge or research experience in antenna or array design, applied electromagnetics, RF and microwave devices, or electromagnetic simulation tools such as Ansys HFSS or CST Studio Suite

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. 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

Nila Nilavalan

Professor 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 and currently a professor. Professional Memberships and Services Fellow of the IET Senior member of the IEEE Fellow of the Higher Education Academy