Who
Dr. Xenofon M. Mitsalas
Department of Information Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, University of Siena
When
3 Sep 2026, 11:00 Athens time, Science Building 145Π58
Title
From Mathematical Analysis to Electromagnetic Applications: Modern Challenges in Wave Propagation and Guiding Structures
Abstract
Mathematical methods are fundamental tools in Electrical and Computer Engineering, as they enable the understanding and prediction of complex physical phenomena and provide effective tools for the analysis and design of modern technological systems. This talk presents representative problems in electromagnetic propagation, scattering, and waveguiding, highlighting how mathematical modeling connects fundamental theory with real-world applications in Electrical and Computer Engineering and industry.
The talk first considers the transfer of electromagnetic energy in urban environments in the presence of obstacles and corners, a problem of particular importance for current and future wireless networks. The possibility of guiding surface waves around corners by means of appropriately designed intelligent electromagnetic surfaces is investigated, with the aim of maintaining communication even when a direct line of sight between transmitter and receiver is unavailable.
PTD-symmetric waveguides are then presented, enabling the propagation of a strongly localized electromagnetic mode along the interface between two surfaces. Energy—and therefore information—is transported along the interface, while the electromagnetic field decays strongly in the transverse direction. This property enables propagation that is protected against backscattering and reflections. The study is extended from ideal theoretical structures to realistic Bed-of-Nails metasurfaces (periodic metallic pins), thereby connecting mathematical modeling with practically realizable waveguiding structures.
The interaction and scattering of electromagnetic waves by coupled dielectric scatterers are also examined, with the aim of understanding and controlling coupling and radiation directionality, properties of importance for photonic devices, optical antennas, and metamaterials. Anisotropic plasma structures are further considered, as they can support controlled and nonreciprocal propagation and radiation, with applications in microwave technology and the THz frequency range.
Finally, mathematical modeling is applied to biomedical problems in order to understand how electromagnetic waves transfer energy into and out of biological tissues. This analysis is important for wireless communication with implantable medical devices, a key application area of advanced Body Area Network technologies.
Overall, the talk highlights the role of Mathematical Methods in Electrical and Computer Engineering as a bridge between fundamental theory and the design of modern technological systems.
About the Speaker
Xenofon M. Mitsalas is an Electrical and Computer Engineer specializing in mathematical and semi-analytical methods in applied electromagnetics. He graduated first in his class from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Democritus University of Thrace and received his Ph.D. from the same Department with Honors.
His doctoral research focused on the development of analytical Wiener–Hopf methods for complex wave-propagation and radiation problems, including the factorization of non-symmetric and non-meromorphic kernel functions in anisotropic media and the analytical study of surface and leaky waves.
From 2022 to 2023, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Brescia. Since 2023, he has been conducting research at the Department of Information Engineering and Mathematical Sciences of the University of Siena under the supervision of Professor Stefano Maci. His recent research focuses on the development of exact and semi-analytical methods for PTD-symmetric waveguides, metasurfaces, Bed-of-Nails structures, and problems involving diffraction and surface-wave propagation.
His research has led to original analytical solutions and publications in leading international journals, including IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation and IEEE Open Journal on Antennas and Propagation. He has also presented his research at major international conferences, including EuCAP, IEEE AP-S/URSI, ICEAA, IEEE ACES, AES, and URSI EMTS.
He also serves as a reviewer for IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation (TAP) and IEEE Open Journal on Antennas and Propagation (OJAP).
His main research interests include mathematical methods in electrical engineering, the Wiener–Hopf method, complex analysis, the Sommerfeld–Malyuzhinets method, waveguide theory, surface and leaky waves, electromagnetic diffraction, and metasurfaces.
