It is often necessary to operate a number of radio communication channels from a single control room without time-sharing between the various channels. Here it is necessary to operate a number of transmitters and receivers simultaneously from the same base station or mobile unit without interference. The best method to achieve this has been found in the use of filters inserted in the transmission line between the antenna and the transmitter(s) on one hand and the receiver(s) on the other hand. The basic unit employed in the design of microwave filters is usually a cavity resonator of which the most important factors are the Q, insertion loss and resonant frequency. However, a problem which frequently arises with cavity resonators is the accurate determination of these resonant characteristics complicated by the presence of coupling port, materials and various design and geometrical deviations. Such cavities have been investigated in several cases and the results have been generalised, but this investigation has been conducted to examine thoroughly most of the problems being met in present practice. Design and development of some common resonant structures are considered. Emphasis is placed on solutions found to special problems especially regarding complicated boundary conditions. Furthermore, investigation includes methods for optimising resonant parameters such as insertion loss and Q, trading of insertion loss with coupled cavity selectivity, frequency tuning and compensation for frequency variations due to wide ranges of operating temperatures. By comparing Q values obtained in practice with theoretical values, it has been possible to establish an appropriate Q loss budget to as to facilitate accurate prediction of coupled cavity unloaded Q. A satisfactory agreement between theory and practice has been obtained. By application of the results of theoretical analysis and experiment, it is shown that microwave filters can be designed to have a desired insertion loss and off-band attenuation slope. Steps leading to designs of any number of cascaded cavities in a two-port network and, subsequently, multi-port networks are discussed in detail.

Various physical mechanisms that affect radiowave propagation at millimetre wavelengths are considered. Current modelling weaknesses are highlighted and new improved models or more appropriate modelling approaches are suggested. Interference and resonance phenomena in the scattering of spherical ice and water particles are reviewed. The long standing problem of the numerous resonances observed in the scattering diagrams of dielectric spheres is answered. The spatial structure and the physical characteristics of non-precipitable ice and water clouds are reviewed. Extinction and back scattering calculations for a wide variety of cloud models over the entire millimetre frequency spectrum are given. Multiple scattering and the effects of super-large drops in clouds are also dealt with. The potential of a spaceborne instrument in deducing information about the vertical structure of various cloud types is examined. Attenuation and reflectivity profiles resulting from various cloud types are calculated for a nadir pointing fixed beam millimetre wave radar operating at 94 GHz. The physics and application of the equation of radiative transfer to millimetre wave propagation in the earth's atmosphere are given and also is the solution of this equation for a typical millimetre wave remote sensing application. The theory of gaseous absorption at millimetre wavelengths is presented and an improved modelling approach is proposed for the calculation of the absorption and dispersion spectra of atmospheric gases. The effects of trace gases on communication systems operating at high altitudes are for the first time reported. Finally the use of the 60 GHz oxygen absorption band for top-side air traffic control/navigation and broadband transmission purposes is studied.

<p> A thin film thickness monitor has been designed and constructed based on the "mass loading" effect of a resonant quartz crystal. A 6.0 MHz Y-cut crystal, having a theoretical "mass determination sensitivity" of 8.15x10^7 Hz. - cm^2/gm, serves as the sensor element. This sensitivity can be closely approached in practice if the entire active area of the quartz plate is exposed to the evaporant stream. However, due to source, substrate and crystal geometry the "effective" sensitivity of the monitor is only 0.433 of the above value. </p> <p> Both film thickness and deposition rate can be measured by the monitor in terms of equivalent frequency changes. The actual thickness and rates depend upon the density of the evaporant. In the case of silver (density 10.5 gm/cm^3), the monitor measures average thicknesses from several (oA) to 1.36 microns in one single deposition. Each crystal can be used to monitor a total of 4.5 microns of silver before replacement. Deposition rates for silver can be measured from as low as 0.l (oA)/sec to 1360 (oA)/sec. </p> <p> By combining the thickness monitor with apparatus for controlled evaporation, a system was set up which can control film thickness to within 2% and deposition rate to within 5%. </p> / Thesis / Master of Engineering (MEngr)

The excitation mechanism of trapped diametral acoustic modes within a rectangular cavity-duct system is investigated both numerically and experimentally. The asymmetry inherent within the rectangular geometry introduces a preferred orientation, ensuring the excited diametral modes remain stationary. Three separate cavities are manufactured and tested. This included two asymmetric rectangular cross-sections and one symmetric square cavity. Experimental results indicate that the aeroacoustic responses of the three cavities are dominated by the strong excitation of trapped diametral modes. Numerical simulations indicate that the resolved radial acoustic particle velocity distributions are non-uniform at the upstream separation edge where the formation of vortical structures is initiated. As the cavity became smaller, and more asymmetric, the trapped nature of the acoustic modes decreased with an accompanied increase in the radiation losses and reduction in pulsation amplitude. Observations of the aeroacoustic measurements show evidence of three unique modal behaviours. The first case is the independent excitation of a single stationary mode where specific circumferential sections of the shear layer were excited and initiating the formation of vortical disturbances. These circumferential sections, and distribution of disturbances, were akin to the excited mode shape. The second case involved simultaneous excitation of two stationary modes. This suggested that the shear layer was exciting two modes simultaneously. Neighbouring circumferential sections, at the initial region of the shear layer, were being excited independently and at different resonant frequencies. Finally, a spinning trapped acoustic mode was observed in the symmetric square cavity. Due to the spinning nature, the excited circumferential portions and formation of vortices were non-uniform and rotated with the spinning acoustic mode. This resulted in the formation of a three-dimensional helical structure. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

The move toward electric vehicles (EVs) has a significant impact to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and make transportation more eco-friendly. Fast-charging stations play a crucial role in this transition, making EVs more convenient for adoption specifically when driving in long distance. However, the challenge is to create a fast-charging system that can work with the different types of EVs and their varying power needs while still being efficient and effective. In this context, this thesis embarks on this journey by introducing an innovative solution for efficient universal fast charging, spanning both low voltage and high voltage battery systems. A novel, configurable dual secondary resonant converter is proposed, which empowers the charging module to extend its output range without imposing additional demands on the resonant tank components. This solution addresses the pressing need for a wide output voltage range in fast-charging standard in the growing EV landscape. To ensure optimal performance across a broad voltage and power range, the thesis employs an analytical model for LLC resonant converters to optimize the resonant components. This strategic component selection aims to achieve the desired output voltage and power range while minimizing conduction losses. The proposed topology and design methodology are rigorously validated through the development of a 10 kW prototype. Furthermore, the study introduces a two degrees of freedom (2DoF) control scheme for the proposed LLC resonant converter with the configurable dual secondary LLC converter topology. An analytical model is formulated to guide the selection of control parameters, ensuring coverage of the desired output voltage and power range without compromising system efficiency. The steady-state analytical model is utilized for determining optimized control parameters at each operating point within the converter's output range. To enhance the charging module's power density and efficiency, a high-frequency litz-wire transformer design methodology is introduced. The transformer's core size is optimized to achieve high power density and efficiency, while the winding configuration is chosen to minimize conduction losses. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations validate transformer losses and operating temperatures. The culmination of this research is the development of a 30 kW charging module prototype. This prototype features an LLC resonant converter with a configurable dual secondary and two degrees of freedom control for output voltage control. The component ratings, estimated losses, and power board design are carefully considered to create a compact and efficient charging module. Experimental testing across a universal output voltage and power range con rms the effectiveness of the proposed solution. In summary, this thesis presents a comprehensive approach to design of a module for EV fast charging application addressing voltage range, efficiency, and component optimization, resulting in the successful development of a high-performance charging module prototype. / Thesis / Doctor of Engineering (DEng)

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<p>Resonant-cavity-enhanced (RCE) photodetectors have recently attracted attention due to their wavelength selectivity and high efficiency in comparison to conventional photodetectors. The goal of this ongoing research initiative is to develop a Si-based RCE infrared photodetector using inductively coupled plasma chemical vapor deposition (ICP-CVD) as the primary fabrication method. At the current stage of the project, wavelength-selective optical structures have been successfully fabricated using Si/SiO₂ layer pairs. These structures demonstrate sharp transmission peaks at their intended wavelength, making them potentially useful for efficient photodetection. The next phase of the photodetector development process involves using ion implantation to introduce dopants and create the bias.The project also explores the temperature sensing capability of the resonant-cavity structures. The temperature sensitivity tests indicate that the specific type of structure fabricated in this project may be relevant for fiber-optic temperature sensing applications. Additional testing is required to evaluate the performance characteristics of such structures as Fabry-Perot sensors capable of wavelength-encoded temperature measurement.</p> / Master of Applied Science (MASc)