Introduction

The rapid evolution of modern communication, defence & aerospace, sensing, and imaging technologies have significantly driven progress in both microwave and photonic technologies, underlining their individual importance across a wide range of applications. There is a growing global need for professionals in the microwave and photonic technology domain including the areas like 5G and 6G wireless networks, satellite communications, quantum photonics, RADAR, LiDAR, and terahertz imaging. The department of Electronics Engineering at IIT Jodhpur is proposing a comprehensive M.Tech. program in Microwaves and Photonic Technologies to address national and global challenges and opportunities in the above-mentioned areas. This proposed program stands on fundamental concepts including electromagnetic theory, microwave engineering, optical systems, and prioritizing cutting-edge research, practical experiential learning, and robust collaboration between industry and academia.

Program justification and relevance

• Research and innovation: Emerging fields like MMIC and RFIC design, advanced metasurfaces and antennas, RF front-end for communication systems and RADARs, photonic circuits and devices, optical communication, and photonic sensors offer significant opportunities for impactful research and development.
• Industry demand: The telecommunication, defence, aerospace, and semiconductor industries need skilled engineers who can design and develop microwave and photonic components and systems.
• Strategic value for emerging India: Technologies based on microwave and photonics are essential for national security, space exploration, high speed wireless links, and smart infrastructure development.

Objectives of the Program:

The primary objective of this program is to cultivate advanced technical learning and R&D oriented skills in microwave, millimeter-wave, photonic and optical systems. This program will prepare students to pursue careers in the industries (aerospace, defence and emerging communication systems), research organizations and academia. Following are the key objectives of the proposed M.Tech. program.

• To equip students with strong theoretical foundations in the subject matters.
• Hands-on training in the design, analyses, testing of the microwave and photonic systems using modern tools/software.
• To encourage innovative problem-solving abilities in the emerging field of RF-microwave and photonics.
• To train the students on modern CAD tools, cutting edge equipment used in microwave and photonics.

Graduate Attributes

• In depth theoretical and practical understanding of EM wave propagation, RF-microwave active and passive circuits, photonic devices.
• Ability to design, analyze, and characterize circuits and systems at microwave, millimetre-
• wave and optical frequencies.
• Proficiency in industry standard simulators like Ansys HFSS, CST, Agilent ADS, MATLAB.
• Ability to handle academic and industrial projects.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will gain knowledge in the field of

• In-depth knowledge of RF-microwave and millimeter-wave components, circuits and systems, RF front-end for modern communication systems, antenna arrays, advanced metasurfaces, guiding structures (both microwave and optical), photonic circuits, imaging systems.
• Hands-on experience with high-end microwave/mm-wave and optical equipment.
• Knowledge of various CAD tools like CST Microwave Studio, Ansys Electronics Desktop (HFSS), COMSOL, Keysight ADS, CADENCE, and MATLAB.
• Proficiency in designing RFICs, MMIC, and photonic circuits.
• Knowledge in Printed Circuit Board (PCB) layout designing and prototyping, cleanroom fabrication techniques.