The Hidden Dialogue: Microwave Narratives from Quantum Bonds to Cosmic Depths

Abstract: The ongoing advancement of technology, combined with innovations in material processing, has driven the evolution of advanced sensor systems, expanding their use across a wide range of industries. Concurrently, the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) has significantly contributed to market growth. Sensors, which are integral to IoT devices, are experiencing increased demand as the IoT market continues to expand. This trend is anticipated to persist, with projections of billions of connected devices globally. From a technological perspective, 5G revolutionizes IoT and sensor networks with unmatched speed, low latency, and broad connectivity, enabling real-time data transfer and improved efficiency across various applications. Looking ahead, 6G is set to offer even lower latency, higher data rates, and better reliability, integrating AI and expanding XR capabilities, thus exceeding 5G’s impact. Currently, 5G can support ~1M IoT devices per square kilometer, with 6G expected to support ~10 M devices per square kilometer by 2030. However, these advancements also raise concerns about increased energy consumption, a larger carbon footprint, and the environmental impact, including the surge in electronic waste (e-waste) from the rapid deployment and obsolescence of connected <a href="http://devices.
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As a proactive approach, exploring alternative materials such as biodegradable polymers, graphene, and other nanomaterials, along with advancing electromagnetic techniques for more efficient operation, is inevitable for these emerging platforms to achieve more sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. In this presentation, I will be talking about recent developments in integrating novel materials into microwave structures for emerging sensing applications. Materials such as MXene and conductive polymers will be discussed as alternative replacements for conventional metal-based structures, enabling 3D printing and manufacturing of antennas and communication systems in space, supporting sustainable infrastructure and advancing deep space exploration and communication <a href="http://networks.

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Speaker Bio: Mohammad H. Zarifi (Ph.D. PEng, PRC Tier II, SMIEEE), is currently an Associate Professor and Tier II Principal’s Research Chair (PRC) in Sensors and Microelectronics at the School of Engineering at the University of British Columbia, and the director of Okanagan MicroElectronics and Gigahertz Applications laboratory (OMEGA Lab), Canada. Dr. Zarifi has authored or co-authored more than 150 papers in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings and holds six issued or pending patents. Dr. Zarifi’s research focuses on Applied Electromagnetics and Circuits and Systems for Communications and Sensing Applications. Dr. Zarifi has received the Emerging Researcher Award and the Best Teaching Award at the School of Engineering in 2020 and 2021, respectively. He is also an IEEE MTT-S Distinguished Microwave Lecturer for the class of 2024-2027.

Bldg: ICT 516, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada