Post-doctoral offer

Graded-Index Radome for Beam Scanning Antennas at Ka-band

Context

The proliferation of satellite communications links has been a strong trend in recent years. Multiple opportunities for deploying constellations have appeared and therefore new services, in particular of the SOTM (“Satcom On The Move”) type. In this context, it is particularly necessary to seek innovative antenna solutions that can significantly increase the quality of the radio link, especially in difficult conditions where the satellite is close to the horizon.

Objectives

Thus, the objective of the project proposed here is to study low-profile functionalized graded-index radomes to reduce the gain loss of beam scanning antennas at low elevation angles. The work will be carried out primarily at Ka band and will be based on the exploitation of 3D additive manufacturing techniques to synthesize the desired material properties and geometries.

The main project activities will deal with the electromagnetic modeling of the radome, the design and manufacture of an antenna demonstrator and finally its experimental characterization. This project is part of a collaborative framework involving an industrial partener (Thales Research and Technology), a technology transfer center (Canoe) and a research laboratory (IETR).

Expected profile

The candidate must have a doctorate with solid experience in electromagnetism, microwaves, and/or modeling and design of antenna systems. He/she must also have very good skills in electromagnetic design softwares, and have good knowledge in English. Knowledge / expereince in 3D printing will also be appreciated.

Duration: 18 months

Start date: As soon as possible

Location: IETR, Université de Rennes, France

Contact persons:

David González Ovejero, david.gonzalez-ovejero@univ-rennes.fr

Mauro Ettorre, mauro.ettorre@univ-rennes.fr

Ronan Sauleau, ronan.sauleau@univ-rennes.fr