Intelligent Reflecting Surface Aided Wireless Communications: Design, Optimization and Analysis

With the popularizing of user devices and emerging new services, fifth-generation (5G) mobile communications have taken center stage. In this thesis, our research focuses on a cutting-edge technology in 5G network known as Intelligent Reflecting Surface (IRS). This two-dimensional metasurface, consisting of a large number of passive reflecting elements, dynamically changes phases and/or amplitudes of incident signals to compensate for the negative effects of wireless propagation, thereby achieving a significant improvement in system performance. Through diverse applications and design algorithms, we integrate IRS into various communications scenarios and explore the potential of IRS for enhancing 5G.