Jordan Hanson, the chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Whittier College, has dedicated recent years to advancing computational electromagnetics by designing and 3D-printing radio-frequency (RF) systems with potential applications in radar and drone communications.
What was the origin of this research initiative?
This research was conceived after I earned Faculty Research Fellowships through the Office of Naval Research. NSWC Corona hosted me, and we began working on computational electromagnetics (CEM) models for RF systems like phased-array radar. An RF engineer named Gary Yeakley suggested we design and 3D-print these systems. The initial research led to a publication in Electronics Journal (J.C. Hanson, 2021).
In what ways does this research inform your teaching at Whittier College?
These types of CEM calculations and designs work their way into my courses in Electromagnetic Theory, Digital Signal Processing, Computer Logic and Digital Circuit Design, as well as my Physics Research course.
Could you explain the fundamental concept behind 3D printing RF systems?
The basic idea is to print RF systems with a 3D printer using 3D printer filament that conducts electricity. This allows me to design and fabricate a much wider variety of RF antenna shapes for systems like RF sensors, radar, and drone communications.
How does Whittier College facilitate and support this research?
It is possible to publish this type of work at Whittier College because, using our NEEC grant, I have hired former and current students who have formed a team that helps me create these systems. Whittier College gives faculty members the freedom to explore, and my group really appreciates that.
What are your long-term aspirations for the outcomes of this research?
My hope is that after we integrate our designs into a broadband phased array, we can apply it as a sensor in RF band physics research, and as a search and detection system for lightweight drones.
