With an increasing number of wireless applications at microwave frequencies, the frequency spectrum is becoming quite crowded. Due to this congestion, the current state of technology is leading towards upper microwave and millimeter wave spectra as they also offer other distinct advantages such as larger bandwidth and smaller component footprint....
Surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors are versatile devices that can be configured to sense a variety of measurands such as temperature and pressure. The potential use of surface acoustic wave devices for magnetic field detection is explored in this study. Compared to current magnetic field sensors, a sensor based on...
The integration of photodetectors with IC circuits provides a significant
improvement over conventional designs. Featuring noise reduction, extended frequency
responses, lower power consumption, and data operations, these integrated devices open
challenging opportunities for many applications. One type of photodetector has the
potential for important applications in the life science and...
This thesis investigates two methods of optical excitation of alternating-current thin-film electroluminescent (ACTFEL) devices. The two experimental methods investigated in this thesis are the photo-induced charge (PIQ) and luminescence (PIL), and the subthreshold-voltage induced transferred charge (VIQ) techniques. PIQ/PIL experiments utilize an above-bandgap laser pulse to investigate the transport properties...
A need exists to develop a high speed dynamic tow carriage used to
motivate hydrodynamic specimens through a fluid environment. It is
desired to simulate high Reynolds number unsteady flow about the
specimen by towing the specimen through the fluid. The fluid
environment is to be provided by the existing...
Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a separation method in which a non-uniform electric
field is used to induce a dipole moment in a suspended particle. If the polarization
of the particle is greater than that of the suspending medium, the particle will move
towards the region of higher field strength (positive DEP);...
Continuous liquid-liquid two-phase separation is needed in microfluidic devices. Due to the small characteristic lengths of microreactors, phenomena such as mass transport via molecular diffusion occur within seconds. Typically, discrete slugs of an extract are created within microchannels for high specific interfacial area to achieve intensified mass transfer. A challenge...
The focus of this thesis involves developing general fabrication processes relevant to the manufacture of two new devices for the Microscale technology Energy and Chemical Systems (MECS) program at Oregon State University. The two MECS devices developed, capture dots and transparent thin-film heaters (TTFHs), require unique process development for successful...
Spintronics is an emerging field of research dealing with devices that can potentially exploit the additional degree of freedom provided by the electron spin along with or instead of the conventional electronic charge. One of the most promising aspects of spintronics is the potential use of magnetostatic spin waves as...