Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2008. / The design of an aperture-coupled coaxial diplexer for R-band, is presented. To improve the ease of tuning, a tuning procedure for the diplexer with the aid of a MATLAB application with graphical user interface, is developed. Final experimental results show good agreement between the circuit model and the physical structure. Final measurements of the diplexer structure achieved 18.83 dB and 21.52 dB return loss in the lower and upper frequency band respectively and insertion loss of 0.58 dB and 0.61 dB was measured for the two frequency bands. Isolation were measured as 74 dB at 2.01 GHz and 84 dB at 2.17 GHz The accuracy of two techniques for determining coupling coefficients in coaxial and waveguide resonators are investigated. One method is the Eigenmode Method for determining the coupling coefficients in a physical resonator and the other the circuit model representation, utilising inverters to represent the coupling between resonators. Results showed that marked differences occur when using the three different inverter configurations to enable filter dimensioning for a given coupling coefficient. Four waveguide filters, utilising posts and irises respectively, are designed using dimensions obtained from the three inverter configurations as well as the Eigenmode method for a certain coupling coefficient.

Cette thèse est consacrée à l’étude fondamentale et au développement de micro-sources lasers en matériaux organiques, susceptibles de débouchés dans les technologies de l’information et les biotechnologies. Nous avons exploré l'aspect tridimensionnel (3D) de ces lasers, tant en termes de fabrication que de caractérisation. Concernant la fabrication, nous avons fait évoluer la géométrie des microlasers, auparavant quasi-bidimensionnelle (2D, issue de films fins) vers une géométrie 3D (comme des cubes). Des procédés de lithographie UV épaisse ou d’écriture directe au laser par photo-polymérisation à 2 photons ont été adaptés pour réaliser des formes sur mesure de micro-résonateurs optiques incluant un colorant. Afin d'étudier l'émission très anisotrope de ces lasers, nous avons conçu et développé un outil original, appelé scanner à angle solide (SAS), permettant de collecter l'émission d’un microlaser dans toutes les directions du demi-espace qui le surplombe, avec une grande précision. Le SAS a permis de constater que les microlasers 2D émettent principalement hors-plan. Un modèle a été développé pour expliquer cet effet et émettre des prédictions. D’autre part, différentes formes de microlasers 2D ont été analysées, à partir de leurs directions et spectres d’émission, grâce au formalisme semi-classique des orbites périodiques. En particulier, une orbite diffractive a été observée dans les triangles, ce qui ouvre la voie à une étude systématique de la diffraction par un coin diélectrique. Nous apportons également une explication à la directionalité de l’émission par des microlasers carrés. Pour finir, les premières caractérisations 3D de micro-lasers 3D ont été réalisées. / We investigate in this thesis fundamental and applied properties of solid-state laser micro-sources made of organic materials, with possible applications to information and biosensing technologies. We explored three-dimensional features pertaining both to fabrication and characterization of such lasers. Regarding the fabrication, we extended the geometry of organic microlasers, previously restricted to quasi-two-dimensional (2D) as from thin film patterning, onto full 3D structures such as cubes. Deep UV lithography and direct laser writing with two-photon-polymerization processes have been adapted in order to fabricate customized shapes, which incorporate a laser dye. To study the highly anisotropic emission from these lasers, we conceived a new set-up, called solid angle scanner (SAS), allowing for high angular accuracy detection of the emission from a micro-laser in all directions in space. When applied to 2D micro-lasers, SAS measurements allowed us to observe that they emit mainly out of their plane. We developed a model to account for this effect and infer predictions. Moreover, various shapes of 2D micro-lasers have been investigated, through the angular and spectral features of their emission, with experiments satisfactorily connected to a semi-classical theoretical approach of periodic orbits. We paid special attention to triangular shapes, for which a diffractive orbit was observed, opening the way to the study of diffraction by a dielectric corner. We also propose an explanation for the directionality of the emission by square micro-lasers. Finally, 3D characterizations of solid state 3D organic micro-lasers are presented for the first time to our knowledge.

Die enormen Fortschritte im Bereich der Halbleiter-Nanotechnologie haben es in den letzten Jahren erlaubt, quantenoptische Phänomene nicht nur in atomaren Systemen, sondern auch mehr und mehr in Festkörpern zu beobachten. Von besonderer Bedeutung ist hierbei die Wechselwirkung zwischen Licht und Materie im Rahmen der Kavität-Quantenelektrodynamik, kurz cQED. Das große Interesse an diesem sehr aktiven Feld der modernen Quantenoptik erklärt sich über die mögliche Anwendung von cQED-Effekten in neuartigen Lichtquellen und Elementen der Quanteninformationsverarbeitung. Halbleiterstrukturen zeichnen sich in diesem Zusammenhang durch eine potentiell hohe Skalierbarkeit sowie ein kompaktes und effzientes Design aus. Die gewünschte Wechselwirkung kann jedoch nur in qualitativ hochwertigen Halbleiterstrukturen mit quasi nulldimensionalem Licht- und Ladungsträgereinschluss realisiert werden. Daher wird weltweit mit hohem technologischen Aufwand an der Realisierung von Mikroresonatoren mit Quantenpunkten als diskrete Photonenemitter geforscht. Erste Erfolge auf diesem Gebiet haben es erlaubt, Licht-Materie-Wechselwirkung im Regime der schwachen, von dissipativen Verlusten geprägten Kopplung zu verwirklichen. Vor diesem Hintergrund beschäftigt sich die vorliegende Arbeit mit dem kohärenten Kopplungsverhalten zwischen einzelnen Quantenpunkt-Exzitonen und dem Vakuumfeld von Mikroresonatoren. Das Hauptziel dieser Arbeit ist es, den experimentellen Nachweis der starken Kopplung in III-V Fabry-Pérot Mikroresonatoren mit Quantenpunkten als aktive Schicht zu erbringen. Darüber hinaus wird aber auch die kohärente Kopplung von zwei Quantenpunkt-Exzitonen über das Vakuumfeld des Resonators experimentell untersucht. Quantenpunkt-Mikroresonatorstrukturen sind aufgrund ihrer hohen Güten und großen Purcell-Faktoren weiterhin prädestiniert für den Einsatz als Mikrolaser mit sehr geringer Laserschwelle. Neben der Herstellung und Charakterisierung von Mikrolasern mit großen Q-Faktoren befasst sich die vorliegende Arbeit mit dem Einfluß einzelner Quantenpunkt-Exzitonen auf das Lasing-Verhalten eines Mikroresonators, mit dem Fernziel einen Einzelquantenpunkt-Laser zu realisieren. Für die Verwirklichung dieser beiden Hauptziele werden Mikroresonatoren höchster Güte benötigt. Dies stellt enorme Anforderungen an die Technologie der Mikroresonatoren. Der vertikale Aufbau der hier vorgestellten GaAs/AlAs Fabry-Pérot Mikroresonatoren mit ihren InGaAs-Quantenpunkten als aktive Schicht wird mittels Molekularstrahlepitaxie realisiert.... / The enormous progress in semiconductor nanotechnology has allowed observing quantumoptical phenomena so far not only in atomic systems but also in solids. Interaction between light and matter in the context of cavity quantum electrodynamics (cQED) have drawn particular attention from many researcher, because possible application of cQED effects in new types of light sources and elements of quantum information processing is a highly compelling research perspective. Semiconductor structures are distinguished in this context by a potentially high scalability, as well as a compact and efficient design. The desired interaction can only be realized in high-quality semiconductor structures with quasi zero-dimensional confinement for light and carrier. Therefore, the realization of microresonators with quantum dots as discrete photon emitters pushed this field of research forward, worldwide. The first breakthrough in this area demonstrated the interaction between light and matter in the regime of weak coupling, dominated by dissipative coupling losses. Considering this background, the present work deals with the coherent coupling behavior between individual quantum dot excitons and the vacuum field of microresonators. The main goal of this work is the experimental proof of strong coupling between III-V Fabry-Pérot microresonators and quantum dots used as an active medium. In addition, the coherent coupling of two quantum dot excitons and the vacuum field of the resonator is experimentally investigated. Quantum dot microresonator structures are furthermore predestined to be used as microlasers with very low laser threshold resulting from their high quality and large Purcell factors. Apart from fabrication and characterization of the microlasers with large Q-factors, the present work studies the influence of an individual quantum dot exciton on the lasing behavior of a microcavity to realize the ultimate goal of a single quantum dot laser. For the realization of both goals microresonators with highest quality factors are required. This puts enormous pressure on the technological development of microresonators. The vertical structure of the presented GaAs/AlAs Fabry-Pérotmicroresonators with InGaAs quantum dots as the active region is realized by molecular beam epitaxy. The lateral structure of the microresonators is transmitted to the probe material by high-resolution electron beam lithography. A dry chemical etching process formed the cylindrical shape of the resonator. The experimental approach to the coupling behavior between quantum dot excitons with the vacuum field of the resonator is mainly studied by high-resolution microphotoluminescence spectroscopy.

We examine the tides in the Kitikmeot Sea using year-long time-series from moored instrumentation in Dease Strait, and a 3D barotropic numerical tidal model of the region. The in-situ data show strong tidal damping during wintertime seasonal sea ice cover, with a 50-60% reduction in M2 and K1 tidal elevation and 65% reduction in M2 and K1 tidal velocities at the sea ice maximum. We hypothesize the damping largely occurs in Victoria Strait, the eastern gateway of the Kitikmeot Sea, where tidal-induced ridging causes thick, rough ice to accumulate over its shallow sill. Using the numerical model, FVCOM, we independently vary sea ice friction and sea ice thickness, and show that the observed wintertime tidal damping likely requires both very rough ice and a partial sea ice blockage in the sill region. Analysis of the model shows different dynamics and dissipation of the dominant M2 and K1 tides. Both M2 and K1 tides are dominated by the Atlantic tides entering through Victoria Strait. Arctic tides, entering from the west, have a minor, but significant, contribution to the M2 tide. Overall, the K1 tide, after 19% dissipation in Victoria Strait and 24% in adjoining bays, propagates far into the region and behaves as a Helmholtz resonator in Dease Strait and Coronation Gulf. In contrast, 92% of the M2 tidal energy does not reach Dease Strait because, in addition to dissipation in Victoria Strait (29%), it is significantly diverted into adjoining bays and around an amphidrome in eastern Queen Maud Gulf. The K1 tide, with double the wavelength of the M2 tide, is less diverted. / Graduate / 2020-07-22

ABSTRACT The multi-disciplinary accelerator based facilities at iThemba LABS are used intensively for nuclear physics experiments, radiotherapy and the production of radioisotopes. To increase the beam intensity for radioisotope production and to improve the beam quality of the 66 MeV proton beam, a double-gap horizontal half-wave flat-topping resonator has been developed for the separated-sector cyclotron to operate at the associated fixed frequency. This type of flattopping resonator has never before been implemented in a cyclotron and this study is the first to show that it can be done, featuring a special characteristic not offered by other types. The resonator is reviewed against the other types of resonators that are already in use at other institutes around the world. The flat-topping voltage of the selected type has a sinusoidal half-wave distribution along a radial line in each of its acceleration gaps with the nodal points located on the injection and extraction orbits. The flat-topping voltage therefore progressively increases from zero at both of the two most critical orbits in a cyclotron to a maximum at about halfway between them. As a result will this resonator, apart from its basic function to reduce the energy spread in the beam, not decrease the orbit separation at the injection and extraction orbits in the cyclotron, as is the case with other types of flat-topping resonators. This advantageous feature implies that the beam pattern in the cyclotron is not affected in the regions of the delicate injection and extraction components and therefore will these components or the operational control of the beam not require any modification to accommodate the resonator. In order to design a resonator that will meet our requirements, the theory of the beam dynamics and resonator characteristics were studied to ascertain the expected improvement in beam quality and beam intensity when a flat-topping resonator is implemented with the cyclotron. All resonator types were considered and studied in terms of their power dissipation, voltage distribution, harmonic number, space requirements and influence on the beam. The horizontal half-wave resonator type, with two acceleration gaps, was selected as the most suitable for our application, because of its preferred electromagnetic characteristics and its geometric shape that permits the installation inside an existing vacuum chamber through an existing flange. Initially a half-scale resonator model was build to test the feasibility of such a resonator and also to verify the calculation methods. Transmission line methods and numerical field analysis in 3D were applied to determine the resonator characteristics. In the former method a computer program, POISSON, was used to calculate curvilinear squares on sections through a triangular-shaped transmission line and in the latter method a commercial computer program, SOPRANO, was used. SOPRANO is part of an internationally acclaimed suite of programs and the acquired knowledge and skill to use this state-of-the-art software for the studying and designing of such and other electromagnetic devices also put the institute amongst the front-runners in the world. The calculated characteristics of the half- and full-scale resonator models, the study of the different electromagnetic modes that resonate in close proximity to the required frequency, the heat transport modelling and the theory and implementation of the coupling and tuning devices are all in good agreement with their respective measured results and are reported in this document. This study lead the way to have the first-ever double-gap horizontal half-wave flat-topping resonator in a cyclotron successfully commissioned at iThemba LABS and the first tests with beam report very stable operation. Accelerator physicists now have another option to utilize for the establishing of flat-topped acceleration voltages.

Materiais dielétricos para operação em microondas constituem um ponto importante para usos em sistemas de comunicação móvel/via satélite, incluindo sistemas de monitoramento terrestres, internet/telefonia para celulares, internet das coisas, além do interesse militar para elaboração de radares. Avanços importantes nesse setor tecnológico só foram outorgados, graças ao emprego ostensivo de ressoadores dielétricos (RDs). Esses dispositivos constituem cerâmicas óxidas com baixa perda dielétrica em microondas, com demanda para sua miniaturização. O sistema deverá possuir alta constante dielétrica nesse intervalo e o dispositivo deve ser termicamente estável, ou seja, suas propriedades dielétricas não se alterarão com a temperatura. A busca por materiais de alto desempenho resultou na descoberta das perovskitas ordenadas 1:1 e 1:2, com estequiometria A2BBO6 e A3BB2O9, respectivamente. Tais sistemas ordenam o sítio B, da perovskita ABO3, gerando o empilhamento dos planos cristalinos com B e B, intercalados e na direção [1 1 1]c. Os resultados da literatura mostram que o ordenamento possui papel fundamental na obtenção de ressoadores de baixa perda dielétrica. Ademais, poucos estudos reportam as propriedades dos sistemas contendo os cátions Ca e Nb, no sítio B. Portanto, essa tese dedicou-se à investigação das propriedades dielétricas do sistema Ba3CaNb2O9 e, posteriormente, a modificação desse com a substituição dos cátions Ba2+ por Sr2+ e La3+. As amostras foram preparadas pelo método de reação do estado sólido e, posteriormente, caracterizadas pela difração de raios X, espalhamento Raman, espectroscopia de impedância e desempenho em microondas, além de técnicas complementares como análise térmica, densidade por imersão e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os resultados demonstraram a coexistência dos domínios 1:1 e 1:2 no sistema Ba3CaNb2O9, sendo possível manipulá-los mediante condições da sinterização. Microestruturalmente, esses domínios são regiões no cristalito com diferentes ordens catiônicas e, assim, com propriedades cristalográficas e vibracionais diferentes. Pela impedância, notou-se que o ressoador Ba3CaNb2O9 tende a conduzir mais quando possui uma tendência para o domínio 1:1. Tal resultado foi confirmado em microondas, onde a redução da perda dielétrica foi correlacionada à diminuição do domínio 1:1 na estrutura cristalina dos ressoadores. Na solução sólida com Sr2+, uma transição da fase trigonal D3d3 para monoclínica C2h3 foi detectada nos pós-calcinados, sendo oriunda das inclinações octaédricas do sistema de Glazer a0b-b-. As cerâmicas desse sistema foram sinterizadas a 1500 °C por 26 h, cujo resultado ilustrou uma tendência à ordem 1:1 para x ≥ 0,30. No sistema com La3+, observou-se, além da coexistência, os monodomínios 1:1 e 1:2. O sistema com monodomínios 1:1, BaLaCaNbO6 (y = 0,50), evidenciou uma distorção monoclínica intrínseca. Esta distorção foi associada às inclinações octaédricas do sistema de Glazer a0b-b-, reduzindo a simetria da fase cúbica Oh5 para monoclínica C2h3. Por fim, o desempenho como ressoador dielétrico dos sistemas BaLaCaNbO6 e Ba3CaNb2O9 foi avaliado. O primeiro sistema mostrou os seguintes valores: permissividade relativa εg ∼ 26, Qu × fR ∼ 10.506 GHz e coeficiente τf ∼ -55 ppm.K-1. O segundo sistema revelou os dados: permissividade εg ∼ 43, Qu × fR ∼ 15.752 GHz e o coeficiente τf ∼ 278 ppm.K-1. / Dielectric materials for microwave applications play an important role in mobile and satellite communication systems, including terrestrial monitoring, internet/mobile devices, internet of things, as well as the military uses as the radar developments. Advances in this technological field were only possible due to the ostensive use of dielectric resonators (DRs). These devices constitute oxide ceramics with a low dielectric loss in microwave frequency. The system must have high dielectric constant and such a device must be thermally stable. The search for highperformance materials granted the discovery of 1:1 and 1:2 ordered perovskites, with general formula A2BBO6 and A3BB2O9, respectively. These systems depict the B-site ordering of ABO3 perovskite, inducing the crystalline planes stacking in the [1 1 1]c direction. The literature results showed that the ordering plays an essential role in the low loss ceramics. Moreover, few studies reported the features of the systems containing the Ca and Nb cations at the B-site. Therefore, our work drives the dielectric properties of the Ba3CaNb2O9 system and, then, the modification induced by Ba2+ substitution by Sr2+ and La3+. The samples were prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction method and probed by X-ray diffraction, Raman scattering, impedance spectroscopy and microwave performance, as well as other techniques such as thermal analysis, density measurement, and electron microscopy. Our findings elucidated the coexistence of 1:1 and 1:2 domains in Ba3CaNb2O9 ceramics, being possible to manipulate them by sintering conditions. Such an ordered domain denotes regions in the crystallites with different cationic order and with different crystallographic and vibrational behavior. By the impedance spectroscopy, it was observed that Ba3CaNb2O9 ceramics tend to conduct more when they present a tendency towards the 1:1 domains. The earlier result was also confirmed in microwave frequency, in which the dielectric loss decreasing was correlated to the decrease of the 1:1 domain in the crystal structure. In the strontium solid solution, a transition from the D3d3 trigonal phase to the C2h3 monoclinic one was noted in powder samples, being derived from octahedral tilting (a0b-b- Glazer system). In the lanthanum system, besides the coexistence, the monodomains 1:1 and 1:2 were observed. Otherwise, the 1:1 monodomain system, BaLaCaNbO6 (y = 0.50), exhibited an intrinsic monoclinic distortion. This distortion was ascribed to the octahedral tilting (a0b-b- Glazer system), lowering the crystal symmetry from Oh5 cubic phase to the C2h3 monoclinic phase. The dielectric resonator performances of the BaLaCaNbO6 and Ba3CaNb2O9 systems were evaluated. The first system showed the following values: permittivity εg ∼ 26, Qu × fR ∼ 10.506 GHz and coefficient τf ∼ -55 ppm.K-1. The second system exhibited the data: permittivity εg ∼ 43, Qu × fR ∼ 15.752 GHz and coefficient τf ∼ 278 ppm.K-1.

O objetivo desta tese é o projeto e a síntese de filtros passa-faixa sintonizáveis em frequências de micro-ondas utilizando ressoadores planares tipo patch. As características dos filtros projetados, tais como frequência central, largura de banda e/ou seletividade, são eletronicamente ajustadas por uma tensão de controle DC. Uma metodologia para a concepção e síntese de filtros sintonizáveis patch é desenvolvida e aplicada a dois filtros com topologias triangular e circular. A metodologia fornece técnicas para extrair o esquema de acoplamento que modela o comportamento do filtro e as equações necessárias para calcular a matriz de acoplamento. Então, a resposta teórica do filtro resultante da análise dos coeficientes da matriz de acoplamento é comparada com os resultados das simulações completas. As simulações completas combinam os resultados da simulação eletromagnética 3D do layout do filtro com os resultados da simulação elétrica dos dispositivos de ajuste, representados por seu modelo elétrico equivalente de elementos discretos. Isso permite o correto modelamento das características do ajuste e a definição de seus limites. A fim de validar a metodologia, os filtros patch sintonizáveis são fabricados usando tecnologia de micro-ondas de circuito Integrado (MIC) sobre substratos flexíveis. As dimensões mínimas são maiores do que 0,5 mm, garantindo um processo de fabricação de baixo custo. O primeiro filtro é um filtro patch dual-mode sintonizável que utiliza um ressonador triangular com duas fendas perpendiculares. A frequência central e a largura de banda do filtro podem ser ajustadas individualmente por um controle independente de cada modo fundamental degenerado. O controle dos modos é feito através de diodos varactor montados nas fendas do ressoador patch. O filtro apresenta variação de 20 % de frequência central de 2,9 GHz a 3,5 GHz. A banda relativa de 3 dB varia de 4 % a 12 %. Duas tensões de polarização DC diferentes variando de 2,5 V a 22 V são usadas para ajustar este filtro. O segundo filtro é um filtro patch triple-mode sintonizável que utiliza um ressoador circular com quatro fendas radiais, nas quais são conectados os diodos varactor. A frequência central e a largura de banda deste filtro variam simultaneamente. O filtro apresenta 27 % de variação da frequência central de 1,8 GHz a 2,35 GHz com variação concomitante da largura de banda relativa de 8,5 % para 26 %. Apenas uma única tensão de polarização DC variando de 0,5 V a 20 V é usada para sintonizar este filtro. Ambos os filtros são capazes de lidar com níveis de potência de no mínimo +14,5 dBm (filtro com ressoador triangular) e +12,9 dBm (filtro com ressoador circular). / The objective of this thesis is the design and synthesis of tunable bandpass filters at microwave frequencies using planar patch resonators. The characteristics of the designed filters, such as center frequency, bandwidth, and/or selectivity, are electronically adjusted by a DC voltage control. A methodology for the design and synthesis of tunable patch filters is developed and applied to two filters with triangular and circular topologies. The methodology provides techniques to extract the coupling scheme that models the filter behavior and the necessary equations for calculating the corresponding coupling matrix. Then, the theoretical filter response resulting from the analysis of the coupling matrix coefficients is compared to the results of complete simulations. The complete simulations combine the results of the 3D electromagnetic (EM) simulation of the filter layout with the results of the electrical simulation of the tuning devices, represented by their lumped elements equivalent model. This allows the correct model of the tuning effect and the definition of the tuning possibilities and limits. In order to validate the methodology, the tunable patch filters are fabricated using Microwave Integrated Circuit (MIC) technology on flexible substrates. The minimum dimensions are greater than 0.5 mm, ensuring a low cost fabrication process. The first filter is a tunable dual-mode patch filter using a triangular resonator with two perpendicular slots. The central frequency and the bandwidth of the filter are individually tuned by independently controlling each degenerate fundamental mode. The topology with uncoupled modes allows the control of each resonant mode frequency by varactor diodes mounted across the slots of the patch resonator. This filter presents a center frequency tuning range of 20 %, varying from 2.9 GHz to 3.5 GHz. The FBW 3dB can be varied from 4 % to 12 %. Two different DC bias voltages ranging from 2.5 V to 22 V are used to tune this filter. The second filter is a tunable triple-mode patch filter using a circular resonator with four slots, across which the varactor diodes are connected. The center frequency and bandwidth of this filter vary simultaneously. This filter presents a center frequency tuning range of 27 %, varying from 1.8 GHz to 2.35 GHz, changing concomitantly with the bandwidth from 8.5 % to 26 %. Only a single DC bias voltage ranging from 0.5 V to 20 V is used to tune the filter. Both filters are able to handle power levels as high as +14.5 dBm (triangular patch filter) and +12.9 dBm (circular patch filter).

Optical switchers can fulfill the same functions as all-electrical switching systems and are expected to play a key role in the near future. In this thesis an analysis if an optical system that can potentially behave as an optical switcher is discussed. This configuration consists of three microring resonators which are coupled and tangential to one another in a topology that is similar to the Leibniz packing or Apollonian gasket. The ray-transfer matrix approach is used in order to represent the whole system by a single matrix. The structure receives an initial input signal and gives an output signal, which is changed by only a scalar factor. This description is equal to an eigenvalue problem, where the matrix of the system operates over an initial vector and results a product of a scalar (the eigenvalue) times the initial vector. Due to its unique geometry each ring is divided into two unequal segments. We introduce the loss coefficients to express the attenuation along those segments. The relation between the loss coefficients is being examined and the results are verified by simulations.

Recent instrument development for aerosol measurement has focussed on small-scale, on-line measurements that can be incorporated into miniaturised sensor nodes as part of ambient or personal air quality monitoring networks. As a result, optical particle counters (OPCs) have risen in popularity given their ability to consistently size and count individual particles. OPCs have limitations, however, in their inability to detect ultrafine particles (considered the most influential to human health) or to measure particle mass directly (the standard metric for air quality). The growing field of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) offers a potential alternative by implementing microresonators as mass sensors. MEMS resonators have high mass sensitivities and have recently seen implementation as particulate matter (PM) monitors. The field of MEMS PM instruments is still limited with a variety of implemented resonator topologies and sampling mechanisms. In general, however, they offer real-time, high sensitivity measurements at low flow rates. The aim of this thesis was to further examine the viability of implementing MEMS resonators for PM measurement with a focus on practical considerations for real-world applications. To this end, a new microresonator-based impactor was developed - the MEMS Impactor Stage (MIS) - capable of accommodating various nozzle and resonator combinations. Square lateral bulk acoustic resonators were the primary topology, but the results within the thesis are widely applicable. A series of laboratory studies covered the resonator lifetime, reusability, detection limits, and response to environmental changes. The resonator displayed a high sensitivity throughout, capable of detecting ultrafine particles, but is vulnerable to misinterpretation. Beyond mass measurement, studies introduced possible extensions to hygroscopicity and compositional applications. Ambient particle measurements with the MIS, simulating a real-world application to air quality monitoring, showed the capabilities as a PM instrument while highlighting concerns to be addressed for future instrument design. A microresonator-based impactor has potential as an alternative to OPCs, but its cross sensitivity to deposition patterns and environmental effects must be accounted for prior to implementation as PM monitor.

O objetivo desta tese é o projeto e a síntese de filtros passa-faixa sintonizáveis em frequências de micro-ondas utilizando ressoadores planares tipo patch. As características dos filtros projetados, tais como frequência central, largura de banda e/ou seletividade, são eletronicamente ajustadas por uma tensão de controle DC. Uma metodologia para a concepção e síntese de filtros sintonizáveis patch é desenvolvida e aplicada a dois filtros com topologias triangular e circular. A metodologia fornece técnicas para extrair o esquema de acoplamento que modela o comportamento do filtro e as equações necessárias para calcular a matriz de acoplamento. Então, a resposta teórica do filtro resultante da análise dos coeficientes da matriz de acoplamento é comparada com os resultados das simulações completas. As simulações completas combinam os resultados da simulação eletromagnética 3D do layout do filtro com os resultados da simulação elétrica dos dispositivos de ajuste, representados por seu modelo elétrico equivalente de elementos discretos. Isso permite o correto modelamento das características do ajuste e a definição de seus limites. A fim de validar a metodologia, os filtros patch sintonizáveis são fabricados usando tecnologia de micro-ondas de circuito Integrado (MIC) sobre substratos flexíveis. As dimensões mínimas são maiores do que 0,5 mm, garantindo um processo de fabricação de baixo custo. O primeiro filtro é um filtro patch dual-mode sintonizável que utiliza um ressonador triangular com duas fendas perpendiculares. A frequência central e a largura de banda do filtro podem ser ajustadas individualmente por um controle independente de cada modo fundamental degenerado. O controle dos modos é feito através de diodos varactor montados nas fendas do ressoador patch. O filtro apresenta variação de 20 % de frequência central de 2,9 GHz a 3,5 GHz. A banda relativa de 3 dB varia de 4 % a 12 %. Duas tensões de polarização DC diferentes variando de 2,5 V a 22 V são usadas para ajustar este filtro. O segundo filtro é um filtro patch triple-mode sintonizável que utiliza um ressoador circular com quatro fendas radiais, nas quais são conectados os diodos varactor. A frequência central e a largura de banda deste filtro variam simultaneamente. O filtro apresenta 27 % de variação da frequência central de 1,8 GHz a 2,35 GHz com variação concomitante da largura de banda relativa de 8,5 % para 26 %. Apenas uma única tensão de polarização DC variando de 0,5 V a 20 V é usada para sintonizar este filtro. Ambos os filtros são capazes de lidar com níveis de potência de no mínimo +14,5 dBm (filtro com ressoador triangular) e +12,9 dBm (filtro com ressoador circular). / The objective of this thesis is the design and synthesis of tunable bandpass filters at microwave frequencies using planar patch resonators. The characteristics of the designed filters, such as center frequency, bandwidth, and/or selectivity, are electronically adjusted by a DC voltage control. A methodology for the design and synthesis of tunable patch filters is developed and applied to two filters with triangular and circular topologies. The methodology provides techniques to extract the coupling scheme that models the filter behavior and the necessary equations for calculating the corresponding coupling matrix. Then, the theoretical filter response resulting from the analysis of the coupling matrix coefficients is compared to the results of complete simulations. The complete simulations combine the results of the 3D electromagnetic (EM) simulation of the filter layout with the results of the electrical simulation of the tuning devices, represented by their lumped elements equivalent model. This allows the correct model of the tuning effect and the definition of the tuning possibilities and limits. In order to validate the methodology, the tunable patch filters are fabricated using Microwave Integrated Circuit (MIC) technology on flexible substrates. The minimum dimensions are greater than 0.5 mm, ensuring a low cost fabrication process. The first filter is a tunable dual-mode patch filter using a triangular resonator with two perpendicular slots. The central frequency and the bandwidth of the filter are individually tuned by independently controlling each degenerate fundamental mode. The topology with uncoupled modes allows the control of each resonant mode frequency by varactor diodes mounted across the slots of the patch resonator. This filter presents a center frequency tuning range of 20 %, varying from 2.9 GHz to 3.5 GHz. The FBW 3dB can be varied from 4 % to 12 %. Two different DC bias voltages ranging from 2.5 V to 22 V are used to tune this filter. The second filter is a tunable triple-mode patch filter using a circular resonator with four slots, across which the varactor diodes are connected. The center frequency and bandwidth of this filter vary simultaneously. This filter presents a center frequency tuning range of 27 %, varying from 1.8 GHz to 2.35 GHz, changing concomitantly with the bandwidth from 8.5 % to 26 %. Only a single DC bias voltage ranging from 0.5 V to 20 V is used to tune the filter. Both filters are able to handle power levels as high as +14.5 dBm (triangular patch filter) and +12.9 dBm (circular patch filter).