Seminar: Joint Wireless Communication and Sensing in Terahertz Spectrum

Abstract: Millimeter-wave and terahertz bands are emerging as the most promising spectrum to meet the data-rate and latency demands of future wireless applications, including virtual reality and autonomous cars. Moreover, large spectral availability and mm-scale wavelength provide the possibility for ubiquitous and high-resolution sensing. My research builds a foundation for joint communication and sensing in such high-frequency regimes. This perspective yields a paradigm shift in the design and development of future wireless systems. In this talk, I will present the world’s first single-shot and single-antenna motion sensing system in THz bands. We demonstrate a novel node architecture exploiting a single leaky wave antenna, which is primarily used for beam steering in THz networks. I will show how we leverage this device’s spatial-spectral characteristics in new ways to enable motion sensing functionalities with a single THz pulse transmission. I will then discuss the opportunities offered by this platform to enhance next-generation communication in unprecedented ways. In particular, we tackle the mobility, blockage, and scalability challenges of highly directional THz networks by efficiently adapting steering direction for mobile users. Finally, I will share several research directions that I would like to pursue in the future.  
  
Bio: Yasaman Ghasempour is currently a Ph.D. Candidate in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rice University. She received her Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Rice University and her Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Sharif University of Technology in Iran. Her research interests include wireless communication and sensing, with a focus on emerging millimeter-wave and terahertz spectrum. She has published in top-tier IEEE and ACM conferences and journals and has been named an EECS rising star in 2019. She is also the recipient of Texas Instruments Distinguished Fellowship among multiple IEEE/ACM societies awards.