Optimisation of millimetre wave components by adaptive manufacturing

There is much interest in using millimetre waves for next generation technologies such as automotive radar at 76-81 GHz and components for 5G communication systems (possibly in the Q-band from 33-50 GHz). In this context, there is an ever-increasing demand for components such as waveguides, filters and antennas with enhanced performance. Additive manufacturing (AM) provides many opportunities, based on its ability to produce metal and dielectric structures that would otherwise be impossible using conventional techniques. However, issues such as surface quality (owing to the extremely small skin depth at mm wave frequencies), material texture and size tolerances become major issues. This project involves the systematic study of the production of optimised materials and materials post-processing methods for mm wave applications using AM. This will be exemplified by the manufacture of demonstrator Q-band filters and antennas.

The project contributes to a new platform for industry that is built upon a "make it local, make it bespoke" approach that contributes strongly to EPSRC's Productive Nation prosperity outcome to grow the UK economy, also aligning well with EPSRC's Manufacturing the Future theme. It also contributes to EPSRC's Connected Nation prosperity outcome, since mm-wave systems are to be used for high-data-rate communications, which are backbone for connecting people, things and data together, which in return will drive economic growth and efficiency across all regions and sectors of the UK. Finally, the research area of "Microwave and RF Devices", in which this project is firmly based, remains an area that EPSRC wishes to grow.