About the project
Pioneer invisible communications technology for defence and security. This PhD will design software-controlled metasurfaces that manipulate signals without radiating energy, creating undetectable, secure data links. You'll develop cutting-edge electromagnetic systems blending theory, simulation, and experimentation to protect critical communications from interception.
Current secure communication systems remain vulnerable to detection and interception because they radiate electromagnetic energy, revealing their presence and location. This project addresses this critical defence and security challenge by pioneering software-controlled dynamic coding metasurfaces. These artificial surfaces consist of subwavelength elements that can be digitally switched (coded as 0/1 states) to manipulate electromagnetic waves in real-time without significant energy radiation, making them fundamentally undetectable to adversaries.
The research will develop a new paradigm for secure, low-probability-of-detection (LPD) communications and satellite telecommunications. You will design metasurface architectures using electromagnetic simulation tools (CST, HFSS), fabricate printed circuit board prototypes integrating active components (diodes, transistors), and develop real-time control algorithms. Performance will be validated through anechoic chamber measurements and secure link demonstrations, characterizing wave manipulation capabilities and data transmission integrity.
This research matters as it will provide transformative capabilities for protecting military communications, satellite links, and critical national infrastructure. Outcomes include novel metasurface designs, experimental validation of non-radiating secure links, and advanced signal modulation techniques.
You will gain expertise in electromagnetics, RF design, and secure systems, supported by our state-of-the-art microwave laboratories and anechoic chamber. The project offers strong industry links with defence and aerospace partners, potential for placements, and training in both theoretical and practical skills highly valued in the defence and telecommunications sectors.
