Research Projects

The demand for ubiquitous connectivity, increased data rates, higher device density, ×2 - ×3 spectral efficiency, low latency, and improved reliability is expected to be met by upcoming wireless communication technology applications such as IoT, industry 4.0, V2X communication, UAVs, and military surveillance. The sixth generation (6G) wireless technologies are expected to meet these expectations. Intelligent Reflecting surfaces (IRss) are meta-surfaces embedded with low-cost reflective elements that can intelligently engineer the incoming electromagnetic signal, improving signal strength and energy efficiency. IRss can be implemented on communication systems when the Los path between the transmitter and receiver is blocked by physical obstacles, reflecting the transmitted signal to users. These surfaces are cost and power efficient, compatible with existing communication infrastructure, and have received attention from researchers in wireless communications for industry automation, IoT, and UAVs. IRs-related research has focused on radio-frequency (RF) communication or optical wireless communication (OWC). Hybrid-RF/OWC systems are being explored for encashing spectrum efficiency, but achieving hybrid-RF/OWC through IRss is still an open area. This project aims to fabricate IRss that can be controlled wirelessly through optical signals and switch frequencies from optical to microwave for multi-user hybrid RF/OWC systems.