Read the original article by Neema Tavakolian here.
Nestled on the fifth floor of Georgia Tech’s Technology Square Research Building (TSRB), the mmWave Antennas & Arrays Lab is silently innovating in wireless communication. Under the leadership of Dr. Nima Ghalichechian, the lab is at the forefront of developing technologies that promise to revolutionize how we connect and communicate.
From Tehran to Tech Square
Dr. Ghalichechian’s journey began in Iran, where he earned his bachelor’s degree from Amirkabir University of Technology. His academic pursuits led him to the University of Maryland-College Park, where he obtained his M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, focusing on electrostatic micromotors. His professional path included a stint in the industry at FormFactor, Inc., as well as academic roles at Ohio State University. In 2021, he brought his expertise to Georgia Tech, founding the mmWave Antennas & Arrays Lab within the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE).
Decoding the Millimeter-Wave Spectrum
The lab primarily focuses on millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequencies, ranging from 30 to 300 GHz. These high-frequency bands are critical to next-generation wireless networks like 5G and the forthcoming 6G systems, which are poised to enable ultra-fast data speeds, low-latency communication, and new applications such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mobile holograms.
Ph.D. student Seung Yoon “Sonny” Lee points to this growing demand:
“The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) predicts global mobile video traffic will account for more than 75% of total mobile traffic by 2030,” Lee notes. “On-chip antenna research is just beginning. We will do our best to respond to future demands for high wireless communication volumes, including integrating new materials currently being developed in our laboratory for multifunctional on-chip applications.”
Lee’s project—a 60 GHz electronically scanned array—aims to address these challenges by enabling faster, more efficient wireless connections to handle the explosion of next-generation, data-intensive applications.
Building the Future of Antennas
The lab’s work spans several critical areas:
Phased Arrays: Electronically steerable antenna systems that can direct beams without moving parts.
Reflectarrays and Transmitarrays: Hybrid structures combining features of traditional antennas and lenses to manipulate electromagnetic waves.
On-Chip Antennas: Miniaturized antennas integrated directly onto semiconductor chips, crucial for compact devices.
Reconfigurable Antennas: Antennas capable of altering their frequency, radiation pattern, or polarization dynamically.
Ph.D. student William Pavlick is helping drive innovation in reconfigurable antennas, collaborating with researchers at Stanford University to design mechanically reconfigurable electromagnetic metasurfaces.
“Working with Dr. Ghalichechian and my colleagues has provided me with an environment for success,” says Pavlick. “We work collaboratively to find robust solutions to the problems we solve. I look forward to continuing my research and helping to innovate solutions to next-generation communication problems.”
Pavlick explains that mechanical reconfiguration offers a unique advantage by enabling global device reconfiguration with simple actuation methods—an essential property for future adaptable communication systems.
Innovations in Materials and Measurement
Beyond design, the lab also explores advanced materials, such as phase-change materials like vanadium dioxide (VO₂), which can dramatically change their electrical properties when exposed to external stimuli like heat or electric fields. These materials open the door to tunable RF switches, filters, and dynamic antenna systems that can adapt to different operating conditions in real-time.
Precision is key in validating these systems. The lab uses robotic measurement platforms to thoroughly characterize antennas’ electromagnetic performance, ensuring designs work as intended when deployed in complex, real-world environments.
A Culture of Collaboration
The mmWave Antennas & Arrays Lab thrives not just on in-house innovation but through collaboration across Georgia Tech and beyond. Dr. Ghalichechian’s partnerships span disciplines and institutions, working with:
Prof. Farrokh Ayazi (ECE) on RF energy harvesting
Prof. John Cressler (ECE) on VO₂ switches and radiation effects
Prof. Jane Gu (ECE) on mmWave antenna arrays
Prof. Vanessa Smeth (ME) on device packaging
Prof. W. Hong Yeo (ME) on wireless biomedical devices
External institutions such as Stanford University and Baylor University’s SMARTHub.
This interconnected approach allows the lab to tackle challenges at the crossroads of electromagnetics, materials science, mechanical engineering, and biomedical innovation.
A Vision for the Future
The mmWave Antennas & Arrays Lab combines theoretical research with practical application to reshape global communication infrastructure. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible in wireless communication, Dr. Ghalichechian and his team are laying the groundwork for a future where connectivity is faster, more dependable, and seamlessly integrated into our daily lives.