Professor Chong Li
- Professor of Microwave Engineering (Electronic & Nanoscale Engineering)
telephone:
+44 141 330 4626
email:
Chong.Li@glasgow.ac.uk
pronouns:
He/him/his
School of Engineering, R207 80 Oakfield Avenue, G12 8LT
Biography
I obtained a PhD degree in Electronics and Electrical Engineering from the University of Glasgow (UoG) in 2012. I developed monolithic millimetre-wave signal sources and integrated circuits within 3 years of my PhD. From Aug. 2011, I took up a post as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant, and later a Postdoctoral Research Associate at UoG, working on terahertz imaging systems. I joined the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in January 2014 as a Higher Research Scientist leading work on antenna, OTA, ultrafast and on-wafer measurements. I rejoined Glasgow University in August 2017 as a lecturer and found the Microwave and Terahertz Electronics (MaTE) group. I became the Professor of Micorwave Engineering in August 2023. I have been the Director of Centre for Advanced Electronics (CAE) since May 2021.
I am a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Stratchclyde (2022-2025) and was a Visiting Researcher at the Advanced Technology Institute (ATI), University of Surrey in 2017. I am the Co-Chair of EuMiC2026 and Chair of the 106th ARFTG2026. I was a member of the European Microwave Association (EuMA) General Assembly (GA) representing Group 4 (United Kingdom, Ireland, Gibraltar, Malta) between 2018 and 2021. I was the Chair of Workshop & Short Courses of EuMW2021 and I was an Associate Editor for Royal Society Open Science between 2017 and 2023. I won the best paper twice at Loughborough Antennas and Propagation Conference (LAPC).
Research interests
I am leading the Microwave and THz Electronics (MaTE) Group and interested in:
- III-V (InP/GaAs/GaN) high frequency semiconductor devices and fabrication processes
- MMICs and TMICs
- emerging materials, devices and technologies for wireless sensing, imaging, communications and energy harvesting;
- metrology for antennas and propagation and on-wafer measurements.
Summer students, final year/MSc project students, self-funded/government-funded PhD students are welcome to my group. Please contact me if you have any brilliant ideas about any of the above listed topic(s) or something else.
Equipment and Facilities
I am currently managing the Microwave and Terahertz Laboraotry which is equiped with the state-of-art instruments for characterisation of RF, microwave, mmWave and THz devices and systems. Information about micro-/nano-fabrication can be found on the JWNC website. Here below list some of the equipment for measurements from RF to THz:
Anntenna measurement systems
- 0.5 GHz-18 GHz anechoic chamber (full radiation pattern, gain, efficiency, axial ratio etc.)
- 30 GHz-50 GHz OTA system including full radiation pattern, gain
- 75 GHz-1.1 THz (banded) near field planar antenna scanning systems
Automated on-wafer power and S-parameter measurement systems
- 10 MHz-110 GHz
- 110 - 170 GHz,
- 140 -220 GHz,
- 220 -325 GHz,
- 325-500 GHz,
- 500-750 GHz,
- 750 GHz -1.1 THz
Other measurement capabilities
- on-wafer (waveguide) noise parameter measurement systems (2-50 GHz)
- on-wafer (waveguide) load-pull measurement system (110 GHz - 1.1 THz)
- Spectrum analyer and power meter for up to 1 THz
- 70 GHz oscilloscope (256 GBaud/S), also for 110-170 GHz and 220-325 GHz
- 67 GHz arbitary waveform generator (256 GBaud/s) also for 110-170 GHz and 220 GHz- 325 GHz
- 26-40 GHz, 110-170 GHz and 750 GHz -1.1 THz material characterisation kit (MCK)
- 3 kV Semiconductor device analyser for DC & Pulsed IV/CV measurement (on-wafer)
- DC-40 GHz temprature-controllable (77K-675K) manual probe station with permanent maganet
Cascade's 140 GHz-220 GHz infinity probes (50 um pitch)
Postdoctoral Opportunities
Postdoctoral researcher
This is an exciting new opportunity that centers around cryogenic microwave components and systems for quantum computer systems. The project is generously funded by the EPSRC EPIQC project (EP/W032627/1), and the initial appointment for this post is for a duration of 24 months. We are seeking a candidate with extensive knowledge and experience in the design, modeling, and testing of microwave components, including filters and antennas. A proven track record of publications in the field is essential. For further details, please feel free to contact me.
PhD projects
- Making the quantum computers wireless
The ENIAC, the first computer invented 75 years ago, occupied a whopping 170 square meters and weighed nearly 50 tonnes. At that time, nobody could have imagined the incredible evolution computers would undergo to reach their current form. Quantum computing, believed to be one of the most significant revolutions of the 21st century, is still in its early stages, encountering similar challenges faced by the first computers half a century ago: bulkiness, high cost, and operational difficulties. However, here at Glasgow University, we are fearless and ambitious!
Thanks to the generous funding provided by EPSRC's WiQC and EPIQC projects, we are poised to take a daring yet potentially rewarding step towards the next generation of quantum computers: developing wireless quantum computing. Imagine that! Would you like to be a part of this groundbreaking endeavor? If so, please reach out to us and let's shape the future together.
- Pushing the limits of low noise amplifiers: from semiconductor materials, device physics, nanofabriacation to circuit design
Low noise amplifiers (LNAs) play a crucial role in various RF systems, including communications, RADAR, astronomy observation, and remote sensing. They are widely recognized as essential components. Traditionally, the key performance parameters of LNAs have encompassed aspects such as noise figure, gain, linearity, and bandwidth. However, the emergence of quantum computer systems has introduced a new performance factor: DC power consumption. This addition has made the development of LNAs even more challenging and demanding.
In this exciting project, you will have the opportunity to leverage the world-leading nanofabrication and test facilities at Glasgow University, specifically the JWNC and ESDC. By capitalizing on these cutting-edge resources, you will be able to contribute to and build upon Glasgow University's esteemed legacy in the field of transistors. This is an exceptional chance to advance the field and see Glasgow University's expertise in transistors flourish once again.
- GaN-based diodes and tranistors for water and gas sensing
The presence of ionic pollution in water and high concentrations of gases, vapors, and volatile organic compounds in the air pose significant threats to human health, food safety, and the environment. To address these concerns, GaN-based field-effect transistor (FET)-based sensors have emerged as a promising solution, thanks to their remarkable sensitivity to surface charge. However, current technologies utilizing GaN transistors typically require tens of milliwatts of power, which is often unsustainable for many applications.
In this project, our primary objective is to substantially reduce the power consumption of these sensors by at least two orders of magnitude. This will be achieved through a comprehensive co-optimization approach that encompasses device design, circuit optimization, and system integration. By synergistically enhancing the efficiency of each element, we aim to pave the way for highly efficient and sustainable sensor solutions that address the critical challenges posed by ionic pollution, gas concentrations, vapors, and volatile organic compounds.
- Compact monolithic integrated circuits for Beyond5G/6G wireless communications
Since the widespread rollout of commercial 5G networks starting in 2019, the research focus on next-generation mobile communications has become paramount for both academia and industry. A critical challenge in advancing future communication systems lies in developing highly efficient RF front-ends or transceivers. As the operating frequencies of these systems shift into the millimeter-wave domain, such as at 30 GHz and above, electronic devices like amplifiers and integrated circuits for passive components face various performance degradation issues. These include reduced efficiency, higher power consumption, and limitations in integration capabilities.
In this project, you will have the unique opportunity to leverage Glasgow University's world-leading nanofabrication and test facilities, specifically the JWNC and CAE. By harnessing these state-of-the-art resources, you will devise, fabricate, and test compact transceivers operating at frequencies of 110 GHz and beyond. This endeavor will enable us to overcome the current limitations and pave the way for high-performance transceivers that meet the demands of future communication systems. Join us in pushing the boundaries of mobile communications and shaping the future of wireless technology.
- Development of wireless charging technology for wireless sensor nodes
Wireless sensor nodes (WSN) have found widespread applications in various fields, including environment monitoring, building structural health checks, and personal medical diagnosis. However, most sensor nodes currently rely on bulky built-in batteries that have limited lifespans. The cost and feasibility of battery replacement can be prohibitive in certain scenarios. Over the past decade, researchers have explored different energy harvesting approaches, such as solar, thermal, and acoustic energy conversion, to power WSNs. However, these methods encounter limitations related to weather conditions, size, distance, and communication.
RF/microwave signals, such as GPS, WiFi, and 4G/5G, are omnipresent and offer advantages like low attenuation in air and resistance to weather conditions. These characteristics make them suitable for long-distance applications. However, RF/microwave signals suffer from high losses in water or inside human bodies. To address this issue, different media, such as ultrasound, must be implemented. In this project, we will investigate a novel hybrid microwave-ultrasound transducer that serves the dual purpose of energy harvesting and wireless communications. Our research will focus on overcoming challenges related to RF/microwave sensing, RF/microwave to ultrasound frequency conversion, and ultrasound transducer efficiency.
The selected candidate will delve into the exploration of new materials, device modeling, circuit design, and micro/nano fabrication techniques. Ultimately, we aim to develop a hybrid transducer that integrates CMOS sensors and can be utilized for underwater monitoring and/or medical diagnosis. Through this interdisciplinary endeavor, we will advance the field of wireless sensor technology, opening up new possibilities for sustainable energy harvesting and efficient wireless communication in challenging environments.
follow the link to apply:
https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/howtoapplyforaresearchdegree/#applyonline
Grants
Current grants (Selected)
"Direct Detection Receivers for Millimetre Wave Radiometry", UKSA, Glasgow PI, £439k, May 2024 - Nov 2025
"Automated Nano AnaLysing, characterisatiOn and additive packaGing sUitE (ANALOGUE)", EPSRC EP/Y015215/1, CoI, £3M, Feb 2024-Jan 2027
"Tackling Challenges in On-Wafer Measurements at Above 100 GHz", PhD Studentship, fully funded by Keysight Technologies, 10/2023-05/2027, PI
"Disposable Sensor for Continuous Detection of Renal Disease (DETECT)", Marie Curie Early Career Fellowship (Dr. Ajay Beniwal), 12/2022-1/2024, £204K
"Showcase of the 6G test capabilities at the University of Glasgow (SOUL)", EPSRC IAA, 04.2023-03.2024, PI, £37.1k
"Wireless Controls and Readouts for Qubit Upscaling (WiQC)", EPSRC EP/X017613/1, 10.2022-06.2024, PI, £200k
"Empowering Practical Interfacing of Quantum Computing (EPIQC)", EPSRC EP/W032627/1, 04.2022-03.2026, CoI, £3M
"GaN Smart Power Integrated Circuit Techonlogy (GaN SPICe)", EPSRC EP/V026127/1, 10.2021-09.2024, CoI, £502k
"Development of multi-physical on-wafer test capabilities for advanced communications and quantum technologies", NPL cofunded PhD scholarship, 04.2022-11.2026, PI
Past Projects (Selected)
"Millimetre-wave and Terahertz On-chip Circuit Test Cluster for 6G Communications and Beyond (TiC6G)", EPSRC EP/W006448/1 ,01.2022-06.2024, Internal lead, £2.62M
"Digitally tunable microwave metamaterials", DASA, PI (reputidated)
"EPSRC (UK) and DFG (Germany) joint workshop on THz integration technologies", EPSRC, Travel grant, PI, Oct 2022"Integrated GaN-Diamond Microwave Electronics: From Materials, Transistors to MMICs (GaN_DaME)", EPSRC Programme Grant, EP/P00945X/1, 01.2017-03.2023, GU PI, £4.3M
"Solar-Hydro power project", InnovateUK Energy Catalyst R7, TS/S021582/1, 04.2020-08.2021, PI, £300k
"Dielectric materials for 5G base station", 2020, PI
Horizon2020 PlanarCal (€1.8M) 2015-2018, WP leader
Horizon2020 MET5G (€1.6M) 2015-2018, Researcher
Horizon2020 MORSE (€2.4M) 2013-2016, Researcher
DECC DGO2 (£0.9M) 2014, WP leader
Supervision
-
PDRAs:
Dr. Qusay Raghib Ali Al-Taai, "Wireless interfacing for qubit upscaling (WiQC)"
Dr. Ajay Beniwal, Marie Curie Early Stage Reseracher "DETECT"
Dr. Ming Yan Zhong, "Empowering Practical Interfacing of Quantum Computing (EPIQC)"
Mr. Huihua Cheng, "Direct Detection Receivers for Millimetre Wave Radiometry"
-
Current PhD students:
J. Wang (10.2019-) "Modelling and characterisation of mm-wave transistors and low noise amplifiers" (1st supervisor)
H. Cheng (10.2019-) "Development of high frequency InP transistors" (1st supervisor)
Y. Ma (11.2020-) "Hybrid RF/Ulstrasound energy harvester" (1st supervisor)
Q. Li (11.2021-) "AI-driven design for transistors and LNAs" (1st supervisor)
Y. Jiang (03.2022-) "Advanced antennas for future wireless communications" (1st supervisor)
J. Kelly (04.2022-) "Development of multi-physical on-wafer test capabilities for advanced communications and quantum technologies" (1st supervisor)
E. M. Khusna (02.2023-) "On-Chip Antenna based on Spoof Surface Plasmon Polaritons (SSPP) for Commercial THz Systems" (1st supervisor)
J. Shi (10.2023- ) "GaN device for sensing" (1st supervisor)
T. Ju (03.2024- ) "InP-based MMICs" (1st supervisor)
M. Elfleet (07.24- ) "Cryogenic low noise devices and measurements" (1st supervisor)
F. Wu (9.2021-) "MIR detector arrays" (2nd supervisor, with Prof. David Cumming)
Q. Guo (9.2021-) " "(2nd supervisor, with Prof. David Moran)
J. Johny (10.2022-) "" (2nd supervisor, with Prof. David Moran)
Funding opportunities
A fascinating 3.5-year PhD Scholarship is now available in the field of on-chip measurements at above 100 GHz . More details can be found here (https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/phd-in-engineering-development-of-multi-physical-on-wafer-test-capabilities-for-advanced-communications-and-quantum-technologies/?p136269 )
https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/doctoraltraining/
- Iloke, Joel Idor
Nitrogen Polar Gallium Nitride Transistor Technology for 6G Applications - Jiang, Yunan
Intelligent metasurface for advanced applications - Johny, Jestin
Evaluation of Ultrawide Bandgap semiconductors for high performance electronics - Kelly, James
Development of multi-physical on-wafer test capabilities - Khusna, Efrilia Marifatul
On-Chip Integration Antenna based on Spoof Surface Plasmon Polaritons (SSPP) for Commercial THz System - Ma, Yufei
Hybrid Wireless Power Transfer System for Sensors Application in Harsh Environment - Wu, Shuhao
MIR metamaterials for imaging applications using InSb detector
Visitors
Mr. Mathis Launay, VIACESI, France
Dr. Kushmanda Saurav, IIT Jammu, India
Former group members
- A. Al-Moathian (Research Assitant)
- A. Scott-George (Research Assistant)
- C. Munro (Research Assistant)
- M. Farage (PGR in frequency scanning antennas)
- A. Dhongde (PhD in W-band GaN power amplifiers with Prof. Edward Wasige (2nd supervisor) )
- Y. Yi (PhD in Graphene-based terahertz tunable modulators, 1st supervisor, Prof. David Cumming as 2nd supervisor)
- M. Zhong (PhD in Metasurface-based microwave and mm-wave devices" (1st supervisor)
- Ms.Yi Wang (Visitor)
- DR. Ying Wang (visitor)
Teaching
Current
- Introductory Programming (2024 - 2025)
- Circuit Analysis and Design (since 2023)
- Control and Dynamics (2024 - 2025)
Past
- ENG3043 Real-time Computer Systems (coordinator) (2017-2022)
- ENG4100 Microwave & Optical Transmission System (since 2023)
- ENG3023 Electromagnetic Compatibility (coordinator) (since 2021)
- ENG5056 Microwave and Millimeter-wave Circuit Design (since 2017)
Professional activities & recognition
Editorial boards
- 2017: Royal Society Open Science
Professional & learned societies
- 2018 - 2021: Member of General Assembly, European Microwave Association
- 2019 - 2021: Chair of Workshops and Short Courses, European Microwave 2021
- 2017: Senior Member, IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)