Research Projects

The proposed project aims to explore and develop innovative communication strategies for next-generation wireless networks, with a focus on integrating Reconfigurable Holographic Surfaces (RHS) and advanced Multiple Access (MA) techniques such as non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) and rate splitting multiple access (RSMA). The main objective is to design and investigate the most advanced form of RHS, i.e., holographic reconfigurable intelligent surface (HRIS). With this, the research addresses the growing demand for ultra-reliable, high-throughput, and low-latency communication in future 6G networks, particularly in near-field-driven environments where traditional far-field assumptions may no longer hold. The scientific objectives of the project are to develop a comprehensive analytical framework for understanding the interaction between HRIS, NOMA/RSMA, and near-field communication principles, focusing on their performance in MISO, SIMO, and MIMO systems. We aim to investigate the impact of HRIS design parameters, such as the number of elements, architecture (passive active or STAR) and the operating mode, on key performance indicators such as spectral efficiency, energy efficiency, coverage, power consumption and interference mitigation. The primary hypothesis to be tested is that the integration of HRIS and advanced MA techniques, coupled with near-field communication, can significantly improve network performance compared to traditional communication systems. Furthermore, we aim to explore the utility of considering application-based, accurate channel assumptions (near-field, far-field, or hybrid) in multi-user communication scenarios and evaluate their trade-offs. The experiments will involve the design and optimization of power allocation, beamforming, and precoding strategies, as well as the development of test beds for HRIS-aided near-field communication systems. These experiments will be crucial in validating theoretical models and demonstrating the practical viability of the proposed systems. The expected outcome of this research is a deeper understanding of the integration of HRIS with advanced MA schemes for near-field communication. If successful, the project will contribute to the fundamental understanding of channel assumptions, signal processing, and resource allocation in near-field-driven next-generation networks. It will also offer practical solutions and benchmarks for the deployment of 6G technologies, benefiting both the academic community and the telecommunications industry.