PhD Studentship: Physics/Engineering (Metamaterials) - Metasurfaces for mm-wave Communications

Supervisors

Professor Simon Horsley - Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Exeter 

Professor Alastair Hibbins - Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Exeter 

Summary

The University of Exeter’s Centre for Metamaterials Research and Innovation (CMRI) with UK Government partner Dstl, is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD studentship. The stipend will be paid at the UKRI rate (£20,780 per annum on a full-time basis from January 2026). There is an enhanced budget for project costs (including travel) of £20,000. The student will be based in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the Streatham campus in Exeter. The UK Government has undertaken a assessment of the potential of metamaterials science and technology, which is available here.

Due to the nature of the applications of the research topic, there is potential that the PhD researcher may engage in collaborations that are sensitive. Therefore, applications are restricted to those that are able to gain security clearance and limited to UK Nationals only.

Research Proposal

In this research project you will design, build, and test a new set of ultra-thin, specially structured surfaces, exploring both the fundamental physics of electromagnetic materials and practical applications in 6G communications. The PhD is 4 years and funded by DSTL (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory), and you will undertake a mixture of experiment, theory, and numerical simulations in the department of physics at the University of Exeter.

The research question is how to effectively shape electromagnetic radiation when the wavelength reaches the mm scale. At lower frequencies it is common to use printed circuit antennas, which can be electronically switched between different radiation patterns and polarizations. Using these standard beam shaping techniques becomes challenging for mm waves, as all the circuit elements must scaled down to a comparable size or smaller. Our approach is to instead use so-called Huygen’s metasurfaces to shape the electromagnetic field. These are passive, specially structured (on the scale of hundreds of microns) ultra-thin surfaces that re-shape an incident electromagnetic wave without reflection.

You will design a suite of mm-wave Huygens’ metasurfaces that are closely aligned with the DSTL specified application, characterize the existing untested samples, and manufacture the most promising designs.

About the funder

This project is funded by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL). DSTL brings strategic advantage to UK defence and security through science and technology.

Dstl is the Ministry of Defence (MOD)’s science and technology organisation, providing unique expertise, crucial insights and delivering battle-winning solutions for the benefit of the nation and allies.

Funding

The stipend will be paid at the UKRI rate (£20,780 from 1/10/25). There is an enhanced budget for project costs (including travel) of £20,000. Applications are made to the Metamaterials programme for a PhD in Physics/Engineering. We invite candidates to specify their project(s) of interest at the time of application.