IEEE AP/ED/MTT North Italy Chapter

Recent research in deep learning techniques has attracted much attention. They have also been applied to electromagnetic engineering. Data-driven approaches allow machines to “learn” from a large amount of data and “master” the physical laws in certain controlled boundary conditions. However, this technique also faces many challenges, such as inaccuracy, limited generalization ability, etc. In electromagnetic engineering, physical laws, i.e., Maxwell’s equations, set major guidelines in research and development. They discover the nature of electromagnetic fields and waves and are universal across various scenarios. Incorporating physical principles into the deep learning framework significantly improves deep neural networks' learning capacity and generalization ability, hence increasing the accuracy and reliability of deep learning techniques in modeling electromagnetic phenomena. In this talk, we will study several techniques to embed physical simulation into deep learning to model electromagnetic wave propagation. With the help of both physical simulation and deep learning, we can improve the accuracy and computational efficiency of electromagnetic modeling and data inversion. Hybridizing fundamental physical principles with “knowledge” from big data could help electromagnetic technologies be more automatic, accurate, and reliable. Speaker(s): Prof. Maokun LI Room: 2R, Bldg: DICAM, Via Mesiano 77, Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy, Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/479465

This talk explores the transformative role of metasurfaces as versatile platforms for next-generation electromagnetic (EM) wave manipulation across a wide range of applications. Metasurfaces have the potential to revolutionize communication, sensing, imaging, and sustainable energy by enabling unprecedented control over EM waves in ultra-thin and highly customizable structures. The presentation will cover advanced metasurface applications, such as reconfigurable intelligent surfaces for 5G/6G communication, high-sensitivity sensors for medical and environmental monitoring, high-resolution imaging systems, and energy-efficient absorbers for solar and thermophotovoltaic devices. By examining recent breakthroughs and future directions, this talk aims to inspire innovative solutions and collaborations within the AP-S community. Speaker(s): Prof. Muhammad Zubair, Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/473785

Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) have emerged as a transformative technology for next-generation wireless networks, enabling precise control of electromagnetic waves to enhance communication, sensing, and localisation. RIS leverages programmable metasurfaces composed of sub-wavelength reflective elements to dynamically manipulate the amplitude, phase, and polarization of incident waves. This capability supports diverse applications in 6G scenarios, including high-speed data transmission, real-time health monitoring, and indoor localisation. In communication, RIS improves energy efficiency and signal coverage, particularly in Non-Line-of-Sight (NLoS) environments. It achieves efficient beamforming with minimal power consumption and low hardware complexity. For sensing applications, RIS enables high-accuracy vital sign detection, including real-time heartbeat and respiration monitoring in NLoS conditions, overcoming limitations of conventional RF sensing technologies. For localisation, RIS enhances the performance of machine-learning-based indoor positioning systems by reshaping radio wave propagation and reducing multipath fading effects. The technology supports both active and passive localisation methods, making it ideal for complex, dynamic environments. RIS holds immense potential in integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) systems, paving the way for innovative solutions in smart homes, healthcare, and urban environments. By addressing challenges such as NLoS coverage, hardware constraints, and energy efficiency, RIS is poised to play a critical role in realising the vision of ubiquitous, intelligent, and sustainable wireless networks. Speaker(s): Prof. Qammer H. Abbasi Room: Sala Polifunzionale BUM, Bldg: Biblioteca Universitaria di Mesiano, Via Mesiano 77, Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy, 38123, Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/476463

Fractals and fractional dimensions offer novel perspectives in the analysis and design of electromagnetic devices. This talk revisits the concepts of fractal and fractional spaces, introducing them as transformative approaches for modeling and optimizing complex systems. We will discuss how these methods enhance EM field manipulation in anisotropic, disordered, and fractal media, and review recent applications, such as field emission, rough surface modeling, charge transport, and advanced wave manipulation. Through practical examples, this talk aims to showcase how fractal and fractional techniques can address emerging challenges in EM design and invite the wider engineering community to explore these methodologies in their work. Speaker(s): Prof. Mohammad ZUBAIR Room: Sala Polifunzionale BUM, Bldg: Biblioteca Universitaria di Mesiano, Via Mesiano 77, Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy, 38123, Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/483482

In the near future, high-speed wireless networks will take advantage of the vast amount of available bandwidth in the sub- and millimeter frequency ranges of XG systems and New Space technologies. These future networks will facilitate communication between users and objects located both in the far-field and near-field regions of radiating devices. Innovations in antenna technology are crucial for fully utilizing these broad bandwidths and providing efficient data links for mobile users. I recently proposed the use of quasi-optical planar systems as efficient beamformers for multi-beam, wide-scanning antennas. This approach minimizes losses and costs associated with beamforming networks for arrays operating at higher frequencies while maintaining the flexibility of the radiating unit. I will discuss the implementation of this concept across various technologies specifically at millimeter and sub-millimeter frequency bands. For satellite communications, I will demonstrate how quasi-optical planar systems can drive wideband terminal antennas based on connected long slot arrays. I will also present the advantages of these arrays in terms of bandwidth and scanning capabilities and discuss their physical implementation. Regarding near-field communications, I will highlight the benefits of non-diffractive beams. In particular, I will show how non-diffractive beams can be generated with planar radiating structures by exciting cylindrical leaky waves. I will explain how non-diffractive beams can overcome path loss and obstructions, demonstrating this experimentally at millimeter-wave frequencies. These results pave the way for a novel ‎paradigm for near-field wireless links. Speaker(s): Prof. Mauro ETTORRE Room: AULA III Piano Terra, Viale del Risorgimento 4, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

The second edition of the Summer School ”Microwaves and mm-waves for the design of advanced wireless links: communication, sensing and power transfer” aims to introduce the attendees to the building blocks required to understand the basic principles, the implementation strategies and the design criteria of the most common wireless systems operating in the microwaves and mm-waves frequency bands. The Summer School can be of interest for students (PhD students, postgraduate students, and undergraduate students who are close to getting their degree), practitioners and industry employees, who are involved in any Information and Communication Technology (ICT) fields and aim to exploit the EM phenomena to shape future communication systems, radars, wireless sensing systems, wireless networks and high-frequency circuits. Co-sponsored by: University of Pisa Bldg: Department of Information Engineering, Via G. Caruso, n.16, Pisa, Toscana, Italy