Additively Manufactured Beamspace Lens Antennas for LEO Satellite User Terminals

Summary

Low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite systems require compact user terminals that can track rapidly moving satellites without relying on bulky, mechanically steered dishes or a separate electronic channel for every antenna element. This PhD will investigate new low-profile lens antennas manufactured using emerging smart 3D-printing processes and integrated with a multiport digital receiver.

The researcher will develop a flat-base, graded-index lens derived from generalised Luneburg-lens principles, using transformation optics and quasi-conformal design methods.

The lens will be formed from carefully designed polymer-and-air lattice structures whose effective dielectric properties vary across the aperture. It will operate as a passive beamformer: signals arriving from different satellite directions will be focused onto different positions within a compact focal-plane feed array.

The project will investigate switched-beam reception using a single selected feed, as well as hybrid beamspace processing using coherently combined feeds. Ku-band satellite signals will be downconverted to a sub-6-GHz intermediate frequency for processing using the industrial partner's SDR technology.

The research will span electromagnetic theory, HFSS simulations, material and process characterisation, additive manufacturing, RF measurements, receiver calibration, and satellite-tracking demonstrations.

The student will work across the University and the industrial partner, gaining experience in antennas, transformation optics, advanced manufacturing, RF systems, and software-defined radio.

The outcome will be an integrated printed passive aperture with a detachable active focal-plane receiver, supported by validated design rules for scalable LEO user-terminal applications.

The project would suit applicants with an interest in electromagnetics, antennas, RF engineering, additive manufacturing, or digital communications.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement demonstrating interest in the subject area
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a First Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject area
• International applicants should hold, or expect to hold a relevant Masters Degree at a level equivalent to a distinction at Ulster
• Experience or knowledge of research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Track record of peer reviewed publications

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

PhD Scholarships are available for this project and will cover:

• Tuition fees.
• A maintenance allowance of approximately £22,000 (exact rate is to be confirmed) per annum for three years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
• A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum.

To be eligible for these scholarships applicants must: be a UK or Irish national; or have pre-settled or settled status; or have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme i.e. September 2027.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year, or part-time equivalent, funded from any source, including self-financing students, are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Students in full-time employment are not eligible for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

Part-time PhD scholarships may be available at a 0.5 pro rata rate of the full-time scholarship, which would require a six-year registration period.

The University will award a successful candidate one of the following scholarships for the project, depending on the funding available at the time an admissions offer is made:

1. Department for the Economy (DfE) PhD Scholarships
2. Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS)

Please note that the Terms and Conditions for scholarships are subject to change for 2027/28.