Thu
11
Thu 11 Jun | 08:00 - 17:20
Room 252AB
DetailsRFSA
Workshop
Abstract
Quantum technologies such as quantum computing are rapidly evolving from theoretical promise to technological frontier, driven in large part by innovations in microwave engineering. At the heart of many quantum platforms — especially superconducting qubits — lie microwave signals and components that enable precise control and readout of quantum states. These systems operate in extreme cryogenic environments, often at temperatures below 50 millikelvin, where conventional microwave techniques face unprecedented constraints. As quantum processors scale to accommodate hundreds or thousands of qubits, the microwave infrastructure required to support them grows exponentially. This includes a dense network of coaxial cabling, attenuators, filters, amplifiers, and interconnects, all of which must perform reliably under cryogenic conditions. The resulting demands on thermal management, spatial efficiency, and signal fidelity are formidable, and they call for a new generation of microwave design and metrology tailored to quantum applications. This workshop will explore the role of microwave technologies in enabling quantum control and readout and examine the unique challenges of cryogenic measurements for semiconductor and superconductor components. Topics will include calibration and uncertainty analysis in quantum-limited regimes, design strategies for minimizing heat load while maximizing signal integrity, and the development of emerging standards for benchmarking quantum hardware. Attendees will hear from a diverse lineup of speakers including quantum system developers, microwave instrument manufacturers, academic researchers, and national metrology institutes, who are tackling the practical challenges of building scalable quantum computers.
Thu
11
Thu 11 Jun | 08:00 - 17:20
Room 253ABC
DetailsRFSA
Workshop
Abstract
ICT and electronics are responsible for 2–4% of global emissions and potentially over 50% of the critical minerals consumption per capita, mostly attributed to the manufacturing of semiconductor devices. Microwave technologies underpin telecommunications and are a major energy consumer; emerging microwave technologies also have the potential to make electronics, and the world, more sustainable. This workshop will provide a holistic view of how sustainability and microwave technologies interact, across three main areas: (1) The sustainability of microwave devices and wireless networks, and more broadly electronics, with a focus on semiconductors and Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs); (2) Microwave technologies for sustainable sensing and identification, with a focus on RFID technologies and sustainable chipless solutions; (3) Microwave wireless power transfer (WPT) and its role in sustainability, from battery-less IoT to space-based “Net-Zero” energy generation. The workshop will start by introducing microwave engineers to areas ranging from RFICs/MMICs to passive technologies and systems, to quantifying sustainability. LCA will be introduced as a methodology which can be used to quantify the footprint of both specific electronic devices, with a focus on integrated circuits/chips, and of systems. LCA will then be applied to a range of technologies, including emerging mm-wave/THz links, RFID (UHF and chipless), and IoT applications. Given the central role of semiconductors, sustainable chip manufacturing and integration will be introduced, including a strong focus on industrial insights. These will be provided by opinions from activities across Europe, the US, and the UK, with a focus on industrially co-created insights. Methods for adopting “circular economy” principles and allowing RFICs and MMICs to be recycled and reused will be introduced. Frameworks for design-for-recycling will be discussed, highlighting challenges around reliability and commercialisation. The last technical aspect will explore the role of microwaves in creating a more sustainable world. Wireless Power Transfer (WPT), both terrestrial (low-power) and space-based (high-power) will be introduced as sustainable technologies for green energy. Chipless RFID and circular/low-waste RFID tags will also be discussed, as exemplars of how microwave-enabled tech could enable more supply chains. The workshop’s primary aim is to deepen the understanding of sustainability challenges across the microwave community. With the workshop speakers coming from a range of backgrounds and having active roles within the community, including 2 Editors-in-Chief (EiCs) of microwave journals, and multiple Topic Editors and Distinguished Microwave Lecturers (DMLs), we will conclude with an interactive panel discussion reflecting upon the sustainability challenges and seeking audience interaction. The panel will be primarily driven by the audience’s questions, and will be followed by a breakout and networking time to allow the attendees to connect with the speakers.
Thu
11
Thu 11 Jun | 08:00 - 17:20
Room 254AB
DetailsRFSA
Workshop
Abstract
Electromagnetic fields from low frequency to sub-mm-wave (THz) are attracting much interest for biological, healthcare and agriculture precision applications. Among them is the possibility to non-invasively analyze living organisms at various scales, from individual cells to tissues and organs, for in-vitro and in-vivo investigations. With the advent of machine-learning techniques, the intrinsic variability of living organisms can be increasingly taken into account and offer new perspectives for detection and applications. This workshop will address the latest advances in microwave, mm-wave and sub-mm-wave biosensing and probing instruments suitable for molecular-scale to organ-scale investigations during in-vitro and in-vivo studies. Accurate biological sample characterization and analysis will be highlighted with resonant or broadband approaches with respect to the target applications, with main aims of early diseases’ diagnosis and prognosis. The integration of machine-learning techniques is becoming more common in biomedical investigations and enables further advances in detection accuracy and limits. Examples will be discussed, demonstrating its undoubted interest and increased use in the near future. A large space for discussion and interactions between speakers and attendees will be kept open during the day.
Thu
11
Thu 11 Jun | 12:00 - 13:30
Room 156C
DetailsRFTTRFSA
Panel Session
Abstract
This inter-society technical panel will emphasize the urgent need for sustainable growth within the RF industry, particularly through the development of standards for measuring the carbon footprint of RF technologies. Today, the environmental impact of RF systems extends across the full lifecycle—from manufacturing processes and material usage to deployment, energy consumption, and long-term operation. However, the absence of consistent measurement frameworks makes it difficult to evaluate, compare, and ultimately reduce these impacts in a systematic way.
The panel will bring together experts from multiple societies to explore how collective action can establish widely accepted methodologies and best practices for carbon footprint assessment in RF technologies. By working across organizational boundaries, societies can not only help define these standards but also provide strategic guidance to industry, academia, and policymakers. Such efforts are critical to ensuring that sustainability becomes a foundational consideration in future RF innovations rather than an afterthought.
Ultimately, the discussion will highlight how professional societies can play a pivotal role in shaping a greener future for the RF industry—by fostering collaboration, driving standardization, and offering direction to reduce carbon emissions across both manufacturing and operational domains.