Research Overview

Our research focuses on applied electromagnetics, radar sensing and imaging, quantum optics, integrated silicon photonics, microwave photonics, wireless power transfer and harvesting, chipless RFID, and tunable & reconfigurable circuits. This work is applied across various verticals, including quantum communication and sensing, photonic semiconductors, energy harvesting/renewable energy, healthcare, oil & gas, the Internet of Things (IoT), and aerospace. 

Research Areas

1. Microwave Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

• Built Environment: Detection of structural flaws and material damage in construction.

• Aerospace: Inspection of metallic and composite structures for defects like cracks, delamination, and disbonds in aircraft components.

• Oil & Gas: Real-time detection of corrosion and cracks in pipelines and offshore facilities without removing protective insulation.

Key Innovations:

• mmWave radar imaging for high spatial resolution.

• Handheld and automated systems for real-time defect detection.

2. Wireless Power and Harvesting

• Development of sustainable and efficient power solutions for remote and inaccessible devices.

• Energy harvesting technologies integrated with dual-band antennas for wireless systems.

Applications:

• Smart devices and IoT networks.

• Asset tagging and monitoring using chipless RFID systems.

• Sensors for gas detection, strain, temperature, and pressure monitoring.

3. Radar for Healthcare

• Development of non-invasive, non-contact radar systems for monitoring vital signs such as pulse rate, respiration rate, and body temperature.

• Application of mmWave radar for home healthcare and arrhythmia detection.

Key Benefits:

• Increased comfort for patients through non-invasive techniques.

• Enhanced reliability due to reduced patient awareness.

Ongoing Projects

• Aerospace NDT Systems:
  Compact, handheld mmWave radar units for detecting corrosion and cracks in aircraft components, presented in real-time waveform and contour plots.

• Pipeline Integrity in Oil & Gas:
  mmWave radar technology to assess pipeline conditions under harsh environmental conditions, ensuring safety and reducing supply disruptions.

• Vital Sign Monitoring Using Radar:
  Implementation of radar-based systems for monitoring heart rate and respiration, integrated with machine learning for arrhythmia detection.

• Wireless Power Innovations:
  Dual-band circularly polarized antennas and rectennas for energy harvesting in smart devices and IoT applications.