Postgraduate Research Projects 2012

Engineering, especially electrical engineering, is going through a period of rapid change and expansion. What was considered state-of-the-art a few years ago is now often no more than a few lectures in one of our undergraduate courses.

The driving force behind this bewildering expansion is research, and our Department has a strong tradition of excellence in research. Research in its broadest sense is exploration of the unknown. It is the result of an idea and a belief that there is something new and exciting to be found. Research is what differentiates a true university from a teaching‑only institution. In addition, we are fortunate to be situated in a progressive, high‑tech community, with strong ties to national industry. A postgraduate degree can open new doors for you, particularly in research and development.

Why are we so good at research? It is the fortunate mixture of quality staff and quality students. With 24 academic staff, 20 general staff and about 70 postgraduate students we have what might arguably be the largest group of electrical engineering innovators in the country. We are proud of our past achievements and enthusiastic about our present activities and would like to share them with you.

After four years here you may be tired of studying. Let me assure you that being a postgraduate student is quite different to being an undergraduate student. There will be little or no sitting in lectures. You will conduct your own independent work with some direction and assistance from your supervisor. Postgraduate study is hard work, but it is rewarding and it is fun!

Listed here are staff members, their research interests and potential postgraduate research projects. General enquiries concerning postgraduate study can be obtained by contacting the Director of Postgraduate Studies, Dr Philippa Martin. Enquiries related to specific research areas should be addressed to the staff member concerned.

Professor Phil Bones
Head of Department

Research Areas and Staff Members Research Projects

Dr Kim Eccleston

My research is in the area of microwave circuits and devices of which my current activities focus on: (i) microwave metamaterials, (ii) integration of active devices with electromagnetic structures, (iii) efficient power amplifiers. Students working on microwave circuit projects have access to a well equipped microwave test facility allowing measurements up to 20 GHz. All project areas mentioned below are open to both ME and PhD candidates.

Microwave Metamaterials

Right-handed media has the property of positive valued permittivity and permeability of which most naturally occurring materials have these properties at microwave frequencies. Left-handed media with negative valued permittivity and permeability can be artificially realised using the metamaterial circuit approach at microwave frequencies. Metamaterials are currently a hot topic of microwave engineering as they exhibit a number of interesting properties not seen in conventional materials. A combination of left-handed and right-handed transmission lines allows realisation of interconnection structures that exhibit infinite wavelength at microwave frequencies. Of interest is:

investigation of large 2D metamaterial structures
realisation of metamaterial unit cells operating at microwave frequencies
passive and active circuits that exploit 2D metamaterials

Wave propagation through a zero-phase shift metamaterial lens

Integration of Active Devices with Electromagnetic Structures

The traditional approach to microwave engineering has been to design and realise each component separately and in isolation. The resulting components work optimally for a 50 ohm generator and a 50 ohm load but not necessarily when connected together to other components in a system. Cables are also required to connect the components and this introduces power losses. Therefore, the aim of this work will be to consider integration of active devices with specialised electromagnetic structures. The electromagnetic structures are designed to be compatible with the transistors and serve multiple functions. Of interest is:

periodic and fractal structures
distributed power amplification
integrated active antennas

Efficient Microwave Power Amplifiers

The microwave power amplifier of wireless devices consumes the most power from the battery and therefore its efficiency has a significant impact on talk-time or duration between battery recharges. Battery operated wireless devices need to operate from a low supply voltage, however, this results in low efficiency for conventional power amplifiers (class A, B, AB, and C). Efficiency enhancement needs to consider the mitigation of spurious outputs. Of interest is:

waveform shaping to achieve high output power but low power dissipation
optimal dynamic biasing schemes
harmonic and intermodulation injection

Publications

KW Eccleston and J-Y Zong, “Implementation of a Microstrip Square Planar N-Way Metamaterial Power Divider”, IEEE Trans. on Microwave Theory and Techn., 57(1), pp189-195, Jan 2009.

MA Eberspächer, KW Eccleston, TF Eibert, “Realisation of Via-free Microstrip Composite Right/Left-Handed Transmission Lines”, German Microwave Conference 2009, München, Germany, 16-18 March 2009. 4p.

KW Eccleston, KJI Smith, PT Gough and SI Mann, “Harmonic Load Modulation in Doherty Amplifiers” IET Electronics Lett., 44(2), pp128-129, 17 Jan 2008.

KJI Smith, KW Eccleston, PT Gough and SI Mann, “The Effect of FET Soft Turn-on on a Doherty Amplifier”, Microwave and Optical Tech. Lett., 50(7), pp1861-1864, July 2008.

DG Chen and KW Eccleston, “Substrate Integrated Waveguide with Corrugated Wall”, 2008 Asia Pacific Microwave Conference, 16-20 Dec 2008, Hong Kong and Macau. 4p.

KW Eccleston, “Beam Forming Using a Zero-Phase-Shift Metamaterial”, 2008 Asia Pacific Microwave Conference, 16-20 Dec 2008, Hong Kong and Macau. 4p.

KW Eccleston, “Periodic Loop Structure for Combining Power FETs”, 2008 Asia Pacific Microwave Conference, 16-20 Dec 2008, Hong Kong and Macau . 4p.

KW Eccleston, “Compact Efficient Dual-Fed Distributed Power Amplifier”, IEEE Trans. on Microwave Theory and Techn., 53(3), March 2005, pp825-831.

KW Eccleston, “Modified Class-F Distributed Amplifier”, IEEE Microwave and Wireless Component Lett., 14(10), Oct 2004, pp481-483.

KW Eccleston and O Kyaw, “Analysis and Design of Class-B Dual-Fed Distributed Power Amplifiers”, IEE Proceedings H, Microwaves, Antennas and Propagation, 151(2), April 2004, pp 104-108.

KW Eccleston and HM Ong, “Compact Planar Microstripline Branch-Line and Rat-Race Couplers”, IEEE Trans. on Microwave Theory and Techn., 51(10), Oct 2003, pp2119-2125.

Dr Philippa Martin

My research focuses on the analysis, design and simulation of cutting-edge wireless communication systems (primarily for the physical layer). My key active research areas are error correction coding/ decoding, coded modulation and lattices, combined equalization and decoding, iterative processing, space-time coding and receiver design (detection, equalization and decoding), multi-user detection, cooperative and distributed communication systems and cognitive radio. I have a variety of ME and PhD research projects available in these and related areas as shown below. Students can also develop their own research projects in these areas. Interested students should contact me to discuss potential projects. In addition, industry related projects are periodically available in conjunction with the wireless research centre (WRC) within NZi3 (http://www.nzi3.com/wrc/).

COMMUNICATION NETWORKS (Co-supervised by Dr Andreas Willig, CSSE Department)

In the past, communication networks tended to have fixed topologies and the network layer was optimized separately from the physical layer. Today researchers and industry are faced with much more diverse and complex communication systems. In addition, expectations on performance and data rate have increased. This has opened up new research areas including the design of distributed and cooperative communication systems, network coding and cross-layer optimization. This leads to a number of interesting research problems with application to mesh and sensor networks, relay channels and RFID. This is one of the hottest research areas at the moment. A selection of the available research projects in these areas is given below:

Analysis and Systems Design for Systems with Multiple Hops, Users and Relays

Only recently have researchers started to consider large relay network from a physical layer perspective. There are some interesting research projects available looking at how to design and analyse systems with multiple hops, users and relays.

Design of Advanced ARQ Schemes

Another important type of cross-layer design is that of ARQ schemes. In these projects innovative ARQ schemes will be developed for various environments using advanced error control coding techniques.

LARGE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS (Co-supervised by Assoc Prof Peter Smith)

Our everyday lives involve numerous devices using some form of communications. Most of us immediately think of landline telephones, cellphones and computer/ internet. However, appliances, vehicles, containers and machines are examples of other objects that are increasingly communicating with objects, computers or people. As a result, there is an emerging “ocean of devices” consisting of trillions of wireless devices. Not only will there be human initiated or directed communications, but also machine to machine communications. We are moving into an era of cognitive ubiquitous communications, where a network should be able to choose, adapt and change with time.

Here we are considering a communication environment with a large number of transmitting antennas from multiple users/ devices. At the receiver(s) there are a large number of signals to separate and detect. This gives rise to some interesting multi-user detection problems. Multi-user detection is not a new problem, but when very large systems are considered computational complexity becomes a serious issue. This gives rise to some interesting algorithm design problems, mathematical derivation and analysis problems, and opportunities for experimental testing via simulation. In addition, there are questions on the best overall system design. As can be seen, there are a number of interesting problems to work on.

COGNITIVE RADIO SYSTEMS (Co-supervised by Assoc Prof Peter Smith)

Radio spectrum is expensive to buy and the (currently) useable frequency range is limited. However, vast amounts of spectrum are under-utilized by the licensed user. The idea behind cognitive radio systems is to allow secondary users to use the spectrum when the primary user is not. Hot research topics in this area include: spectrum sensing, interference mitigation, position information, security issues and business models.

MULTIPLE ANTENNA SYSTEMS (Co-supervised by Professor Des Taylor)

Multiple transmit antennas can be used in fading environments to increase throughput and/ or improve performance. These are called MIMO or space-time systems. A small selection of available projects in this area is outlined below:

Multiuser MIMO

To date the majority of research on MIMO and space-time systems has assumed a single user scenario. Communication systems often need to support multiple users. In these projects several aspects of multiuser MIMO will be considered including code design, detection, channel estimation and equalization. The overloaded case, where there are more transmitted signals than receiving antennas is of particular interest. This research is part of an ongoing research programme.

High Rate Space-Time Codes with Manageable Decoding Complexity

Initially many of the space-time coding schemes were designed to provide up to one symbol per time slot using more than one transmit antenna. More recently researchers have begun to investigate how higher rate codes can be developed while still maintaining feasible decoding complexity. In these projects new high rate space-time transmission systems will be designed with appropriate reduced complexity detection/ decoding algorithms.

Coded Modulation for Space-Time Systems

Error correction coding and modulation can be combined to produce more bandwidth efficient communication systems. In these projects various aspects of coded modulation for space-time systems will be investigated, including code design, code searches, partitioning, optimization, detection, equalization and decoding strategies.

Adaptive Space-Time Code Design

If information about the current channel condition is available at the transmitter, then the transmitted signal can be designed for the current conditions. This allows performance to be improved. These are called adaptive space-time codes as they adapt to the channel conditions. In these projects new adaptive space-time coding schemes and their decoders will be developed.

ERROR CONTROL CODING (Co-supervised by Professor Des Taylor)

Error control coding is used to increase reliability at the cost of throughput. This is achieved by adding redundancy (non-data symbols) to the data to be transmitted. The error control decoder uses this redundancy to detect and/ or correct errors in the received signal. Error control coding is used in many of the projects already listed. In addition, I offer the following projects:

Design of high rate concatenated codes for wireless applications.
List based processing in fading environments.

ULTRA-WIDEBAND COMMUNICATIONS (Co-supervised by Professor Des Taylor)

An ultra-wideband communication signal occupies more than 500MHz bandwidth typically in the 3.1-10.6GHz frequency band. This on-going research project considers the design of spreading sequences and error control coding for UWB communications. This research is in collaboration with researchers from the University of Plymouth, UK.

As you can see there are lots of exciting projects on offer. The descriptions given are vague because this document is put online and I also believe students should be involved in the design of their project.

Note: I am happy to co-supervise projects on POWER-LINE COMMUNICATIONS and IMAGE TRANSMISSION, but a suitable co-supervisor must be found before the degree is started. The University requires there to be two supervisors for each ME/ PhD student.

Recent International Journal Publications

M. Baghaie A., P.A. Martin and D.P. Taylor, “On multilevel space-time trellis codes”, IEEE Commun. Letters, 2010.

R. Lin, P.A. Martin and D.P. Taylor, “Cooperative signaling with soft information combining”, Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering, vol. 2010, Article ID 530190, 5 pages, 2010. doi:10.1155/2010/530190.

M. Krause, D.P. Taylor and P.A. Martin, “On bounding the performance of group-wise multiuser detectors”, IEEE Commun. Letters, vol. 13, No. 12, pp. 938-940, Dec. 2009.

P.A. Martin and D.P. Taylor, “Comments Regarding “On the performance/ complexity tradeoff in block Turbo decoder design”, IEEE Trans. Commun., Vol. 57, No. 9, pp. 2517, Sept. 2009.

P.A. Martin, M.A. Ambroze, D.P. Taylor and M. Tomlinson, “Coding for shared satellite channel communications”, IEEE Trans. Commun., Aug. 2009.

Recent International Conference Publications

R. Lin, P.A. Martin and D.P. Taylor, "Two-user cooperative transmission using superposition modulation and soft information combining", to be presented at VTC-fall, Ottawa, Canada, 6-9 Sept. 2010.

M. Krause, D.P. Taylor and P.A. Martin, “An Iterative List Multiuser Detector for Overloaded Receivers in a Rayleigh Fading Channel”, ICC, Dresden, Germany, 14-18 June 2009.

Recent Thesis Completions

Xiao Ma, “Spectrum sensing based on sequential testing”, ME 2009.

Gayathri Kongara, “Space-frequency equalization in broadband single carrier systems”, PhD 2009.

Li Zhou, “Low complexity MLSE receiver for CPM with receive diversity”, ME 2009.

Michael Krause, “Signal detection for overloaded receivers”, PhD 2009.

Marjan Baghaie, “Multilevel space-time trellis codes for Rayleigh fading”, ME (with distinction) 2008.

Yu Gu, “Noncoherent communications using space-time trellis codes”, ME 2008.

For a full publication list (2000-2010) please visit my web page at http://www.elec.canterbury.ac.nz.

Assoc Prof Peter Smith

Several ME and PhD topics, mainly in the area of wireless communications. Most projects would involve collaboration with other researchers, both in New Zealand and overseas. Prospective students should be keen to compete with the best in the world and be aware that some industrial scholarships may be available. In particular, topics include:

Cognitive radio: detectors, models, relays and performance.
MIMO relay methods.
Transmit diversity, including channel inversion and SVD transmission.
Beamforming and block-diagonalization with MIMO systems.

Notation: MIMO = multiple-input-multiple output, i.e. where multiple antennas are used at the transmitter and the receiver.

Publications

Smith, P.J., King, T.W., Garth, L.M., Dohler, M. (2008) A Power Scaling Analysis of Norm-Based Antenna Selection Techniques. IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications, 7, 6.

Suraweera, H.A., Gao, J., Smith, P.J., Shafi, M., Faulkner, M. (2008) Channel Capacity Limits of Cognitive Radio in Asymmetric Fading Environments. Beijing : IEEE International Conference on Communications, 19-23 May, 4048-4053.

Kongara, K.P., Smith, P.J., Garth, L.M. (2008) Eigenvalue variation in MIMO OFDM systems. Christchurch: Australian Communications Theory Workshop, Jan. 30 - Feb. 1, 82-87.

Suraweera, H.A., Smith, P.J., Surobhi, N.A. (2008) Exact Outage Probability of Cooperative Diversity with Opportunistic Spectrum Access. Beijing: IEEE International Conference on Communications Workshops, 19-23 May, 79-84.

McKay, M.R., Smith, P.J., Suraweera, H.A., Collings, I.B. (2008) On the Mutual Information Distribution of OFDM-Based Spatial Multiplexing: Exact Variance and Outage Approximation. IEEE Transactions on Information Theory, 54, 7, 3260-3278.

Kongara, K.P., Kuo, P-H., Smith, P.J., Garth, L.M., Clark, A. (2008) Performance Analysis of Adaptive MIMO OFDM Beamforming Systems. Beijing: IEEE International Conference on Communications, 19-23 May, 4359-4365.

Smith, P.J., Suraweera, H.A., Shafi, M. (2008) Signal power variation with applications to cognitive radio. Christchurch: Australian Communications Theory Workshop, Jan. 30 - Feb. 1, 33-38.

Kuo, P-H., Smith, P.J., Garth, L.M. (2007) A Markov Model for MIMO Channel Condition Number with Application to Dual-Mode Antenna Selection. Dublin: IEEE Vehicular Technology Conference, 22-25 April, 471-475.

Webb, R.Y., Smith, P.J. (2007) A Population Monte Carlo Method for Generating Random Matrices with Known Characteristics. Las Vegas : International Conference on Machine Learning: Models, Technologies, June 25-28, 139-145.

McKay, M.R., Smith, P.J., Suraweera, H.A., Collings, I.B. (2007) Accurate Approximations for the Capacity Distribution of OFDM-Based Spatial Multiplexing. Glasgow: IEEE International Conference on Communications, 24-28 June, 5377-5382.

Zhang, M., Smith, P.J., Shafi, M. (2007) An Extended One-Ring MIMO Channel Model. IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications, 6, 8, 2759-2764.

King, T.W., Smith, P.J., Garth, L.M. (2007) Capacity and Fairness of MIMO Broadcast Algorithms in Shadow Fading Environments. Washington: IEEE Global Telecommunications Conference, 26-30 Nov., 3617-3622.

Smith, P.J., Garth, L.M. (2007) Distribution and characteristic functions of correlated complex Wishart matrices. Journal of Multivariate Analysis, 98, April 2007, 661-677.

Smith, P.J. (2007) Exact Performance Analysis of Optimum Combining With Multiple Interferers in Flat Rayleigh Fading. IEEE Transactions on Communications, 55, 9, 1674-1677.

Clark, A., Smith, P.J., Taylor , D.P. (2007) Instantaneous Capacity of OFDM on Rayleigh-Fading Channels. IEEE Transactions on Information Theory, 53, 1, 355-361.

Kuo, P-H., Smith, P.J., Garth, L.M. (2007) Joint Density for Eigenvalues of Two Correlated Complex Wishart Matrices: Characterization of MIMO Systems. IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications, 6, 11, 3902-3906.

Xiang, M., Smith, P.J., Shafi, M. (2007) MIMO mutual information: The effects of different system factors and cellular applications. Adelaide: Australian Communications Theory Workshop, 5-7 Feb.

Smith, P.J., Garth, L.M., Shafi, M. (2007) Performance analysis of multiple-input multipleoutput singular value decomposition transceivers during fading and other cell interference. IET Microwaves, Antennas & Propagation, 1, 6, 1111-1119.

Choi, S.H., Smith, P.J., Allen, B., Malik, W.Q., Shafi, M. (2007) Severely Fading MIMO Channels: Models and Mutual Information. Glasgow: IEEE International Conference on Communications, 24-28 June, 4628-4633.

Professor Desmond Taylor

My research deals primarily with the development of advanced wireless communications systems. This includes work on coded signalling, adaptive transceiver structures and software defined radios including cooperative and cognitive or smart radio systems. The following lists a number of projects that indicate the scope of the work and interested students should contact me to discuss possible projects. The research includes both theoretical and practical projects and many variations on these are possible.

Cognitive Radio Systems

Software radios are emerging as platforms for “smart” multi-band multimode wireless systems. Cognitive radio extends software radio to model-based reasoning interference and its avoidance. This transforms radio nodes into radio-domain-aware intelligent agents that make opportunistic use of radio spectrum and allow multiple systems to occupy the available frequency space in a non-interfering manner. This work, which may involve multiple projects, will develop novel wireless systems based on cognitive radio concepts.

MIMO Systems using Multi-Amplitude Minimum Shift Keying (MAMSK)

Modern disaster recovery efforts require rapidly deployable high-capacity data networks. One possibility for this is space-time coded multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) radio systems employing MAMSK. This modulation has the trellis properties of MSK but uses multiple amplitude levels. The project will build on previous research that has developed MIMO systems using continuous phase modulation (CPM), a relative of MSK. Some of our recent research has developed CPM-based, space-time codes that achieve spectral efficiencies of 6 bits per channel use and higher efficiencies may be achievable using MAMSK.

Estimator Detector Receivers for MIMO

Recent work on MIMO systems has lead to the idea of training codes . These are space-time code structures that incorporate training into the code structure in various ways. The resulting estimator detector structures may be viewed as an advanced form of the estimator correlator receiver structures developed originally by Kailath. This project will develop and evaluate novel estimator detector structures for multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) systems incorporating training code concepts. This project involves the development of advanced communication theory concepts and is well suited to a PhD student.

Capacity Analysis for Cooperative Radio Systems

Cooperative coding and transmission in a two-user system is the current focus of an ongoing project. However, the channel capacity limits for this and similar schemes are unknown. Some recent work has analysed the capacity of a two-user system when a “genie” provides each user with a copy of the other user's message. However, this is an unrealistic scenario. A more realistic one occurs when a user has no knowledge of the other, but does have knowledge of the other user's code. This project will develop a capacity analysis for cooperative systems where each user knows only the coding scheme of other users. This project will require significant analytical ability. (Co-supervised by Dr Philippa Martin).

Multi-User Detection Algorithms

Modern high speed wireless transmission is often in a multi-user environment and employs both transmit and receive diversity. Moreover, many systems operate under so-called overload, where there are more signals present than there are antennas and receivers. Current research is focused on the use of near-optimal list decoding approaches. It is intended to extend this to the development of multi-user detection coupled with joint equalization and decoding algorithms. This project is best suited to a PhD student.

Combined Decoding and Equalization Studies

There is currently an ongoing project focused on the development of combined equalization and decoding techniques. However, several alterative approaches to this problem are possible, depending on the channel environment and the signalling format. Possible projects include developing new coded schemes for use in a MIMO or space-time coded environment. The work includes the development of high-performance channel estimation and new coded signalling approaches. Several projects are possible to investigate some of these and to develop new high-performance solutions with manageable complexity.

Assoc Prof Maan Alkaisi

In addition to my position at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, I am a Principal Investigator at the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology.

My research interest involves developing new technologies and processes for making nanostructures and nanoscale devices. These include three dimensional patterns using nanoimprint lithography, trapping and imaging of biological cells for early detection and diagnosis, and surface modifications of solar cells. We host in our Nanofabrication laboratories a number of key fabrication and testing equipments these include: Electron Beam Lithography machine (Raith 150), high precision optical Mask Aligner (Karl Suss MA6), versatile Sputtering system with DC/RF co-sputtering and Electron Beam Evaporation capability (AUTO500), a UV Nanoimprint Lithography machine UVNIL (EVG620), a Laser Mask writer, Dektak 150 surface profiler, and a new AFM is on order. For a complete list of equipments refer to our web page at: www.elec.canterbury.ac.nz/research/nest .

We have been successful in securing funding for the next five years 2008-2014 through the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology. A newly refurbished nanofabrication lab has just been opened this year.

Nanoimprint Lithography of Textured Surfaces for Photovoltaic Applications (Nanotechnology) (PhD Project)

Nanoimprint lithography (NIL) is considered one of the most promising techniques for the manufacturing of next generation devices and nanostructures. Features below 10 nm have already been defined by NIL. We are interested in developing processes for making three dimensional structures at the nanometre scale using NIL.

AFM images of 3D features defined on a quartz mold (left) and imprinted in resist (right)

A silicon surface textured with subwavelength pyramid like structures using interferometeric lithography and corresponding reflections from the surface after texturing

In this project we will investigate the use of Nanoimprint lithography for patterning sub-wavelength light trapping structures. It is known that sub-wavelength structured surfaces with periods smaller than the visible wavelength of light, behave as antireflection surfaces. These structures have been patterned in the past using electron beam lithography and because of that have limitation on the size and throughput of the solar cell production. Sub-wavelength structures have surface relief with period in the order of 150 to 200 nm and depth of 300nm. The shallow depth requirement will enable texturing with negligible etching damage. NIL offers high throughput, low cost with no limitations on the size or type of cell material which is very suitable for energy conversion devices where cost is considered a prime factor. Electron beam lithography, interferometric lithography and dry etching will be used to fabricate the master mold on quartz substrates. The combined advantages of using Nanoimprint and sub-wavelength texturing in solar cells fabrication is very attractive to the solar cell manufacturing companies and has high potential for commercialisation (annual growth in 2008 is 110% in the PV market).

Fabrication of Thin Film Solar Cells on Pre-textured Substrates

Thin film solar cells offer low cost fabrication and are attractive alternatives to crystalline materials. Deposition of the active thin film silicon material on pre-textured substrates will be investigated using reactive sputtering techniques. A novel thin film solar cells structure where layers of Al doped ZnO and thin films of silicon will be investigated in this study. A versatile sputtering system with DC and RF magnetron sources and electron beam evaporation facilities will be utilised for this purpose. Reactive dry etching technique will be used for texturing substrate surfaces to reduce reflections and form the starting layer.

Development of Lab on Chip for Single Cell Analysis and Imaging (Bionanotechnology, PhD Project)

The development of microarrays for analysis and manipulation of cells or viruses has attracted considerable interest from both researchers and industry.

We have recently developed a novel technique for replicating biological cellular and sub cellular structures. This method facilitates imaging individual cells at high resolution and offers a snap shot record of cell response to stimulus. Termed Bioimprint, it has enabled us to detect features of fusion pores in cells at unprecedented resolution down to the nanometre scale. In combination with our BioChip platform, which traps individual cells in its cavities, we are creating a very powerful tool for single cell analysis.

The project is in collaboration with Christchurch School of Medicine, Industrial Research Ltd and the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research and lead by the team at the University of Canterbury . This has the potential to enable the early detection of abnormalities in cells and to yield novel cell-culture scaffolds.

Publications

Chapters in Books

Alkaisi, M.M, Mohamed, K. Chapter title: Three dimensional patterning using UV nanoimprint Lithography, Book Title: Lithography, IN-TECH, Vienna, Austria, accepted for publication, 2009.

Alkaisi, M.M. Blaikie, R.J. Book Title: Micromanufacturing and Nanotechnology, Springer-Verlag, Germany, Chapter 17, “Nanolithography in the Evanescent Near Field”, Page 395-422, Sept. 2005, ISBN: 3-540-25377-7.

Recent Refereed Publications

Alkaisi, M.M., Muys, J.J., Evans, J.J., “Single cell imaging with AFM using Biochip/Bioimprint Technology” 2009 Invited paper, Special Issue of International Journal of Nanotechnology on New Zealand Science, Issue 3-4, Vol, 6, 355-368, (2009).

K. Mohamed, M.M. Alkaisi and R.J. Blaikie, “Surface charging suppression using PEDOT/PSS in the fabrication of three dimensional structures on a quartz substrate” Microelectronic Engineering, Vol 86, 535-538, (2009).

K. Mohamed, M.M. Alkaisi and R.J. Blaikie “The replication of three dimensional structures using UV curable nanoimprint lithography (UV-NIL)”, J.V.S.Technol, B, V. 26, Issue 6, 2500-2503, Nov. (2008).

Wang, W.H., Alkaisi, M.M., Liu, X.Y., Sun, Y., Chase, J.G., Chen, X.Q, Hann, C., “Suspended Cell Patterning for Automatic Microrobotic Cell Injection” IEEE/ASME MESA, IEEE/ASME International Conference on Mechatronic and Embedded Systems and Applications, Oct 12-15, 2008 Beijing, China, Source: Proceedings of 2008 IEEE/ASME International Conference on Mechatronic and Embedded Systems and Applications, 100-105, (2008).

Alkaisi, M.M., Muys, J.J., Evans, J.J., “ Invited paper ” “Bioimprint Replication of Single Cells on a Biochip”, BioMEMs and Nanotechnology, Proc of SPIE, Vol 6799, U212-U221, (2007).

Schuler, L.P., Valanoor, N., Miller, P., Guy, I., Reeves, R., Alkaisi, M.M., “The effect of substrate material and post-annealing on the photoluminescence and piezo properties of DC sputtered ZnO” Journal of Electronic Materials, March 22, ISSN 0361-5235, (2007).

Siriwongrungson, V., Alkaisi, M.M., Krumdieck, S.P., “Step coverage of thin Titania films on patterned silicon substrate by pulsed–pressure MOCVD”, Surface and Coating Technology, 201, 8944-8949, (2007).

Mohamed, K., Alkaisi, M.M. and Blaikie, R.J., “The fabrication of 3D structures for a UV curable nanoimprint (UV-NIL) mold using variable dose control with critical energy electron beam exposure”, J.Vac.Sci.Technol.B, 25, 2357-2360, (2007).

Allen, M.W., Miller, P., Metson, J.B., Reeves, R.J., Alkaisi, M.M., Durbin, S.M., “Schottky contact behaviour as a function of metal and ZnO surface polarity”. Symposium on Zinc Oxide and related materials, MRS, Nov 27-30, 2006 Boston MA, Zinc Oxide and Related Materials, Vol 957, 149-154, (2007).

Siriwongrungson, V., Krumdieck, S. and Alkaisi, M.M., "Pulsed-Pressure MOCVD Processing Investigation for TiO 2 Films on Si 3 N 4 Substrate”, Accepted for publication in ECS Transactions, Volume 25, EuroCVD 17, Vienna, Austria, 2009.

Mohamed, K., Alkaisi, M.M., Blaikie, R.J., “A three-dimensional Ultraviolet Curable Nanoimprint Lithography (3D UV-NIL)”, Accepted for publication in AIP Conference Proceedings, AMN4, 4th Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Conference, 8-12 February 2009, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Samsuri, Fahmi, Mitchell, John S., Alkaisi, Maan M, Evans, John J. “Replication of Muscle Cell Using Bioimprint”, Accepted for publication in AIP Conference Proceedings, AMN4, 4th Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Conference, 8-12 February 2009, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Cheng, H.H., Alkaisi, M.M., Wu, Shang-En and Liu, Chuan-Pu (2009) “Fabrication of bismuth nanowire devices using focused ion beam process", Accepted for publication in AIP Conference Proceedings, AMN4, 4th Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Conference, 8-12 February 2009, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Dr Martin Allen

UV Photodiodes (ME/PhD Projects)

Want a chance to work on a cutting edge semiconductor project which also has potential health benefits for all New Zealanders? New Zealand has a unique climatology resulting in extreme levels of sun burning (erythemal) UV radiation in the summer and very low levels of vitamin D producing UV during the winter. The former is responsible for world leading skin cancer rates amongst pakeha New Zealanders while the latter may be partly responsible for the high rates of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease particularly amongst people of maori and pacific island decent. We urgently need reliable and affordable tools for monitoring both erythemal and vitamin D weighted UV radiation. In this project, you will design, fabricate, and characterise UV photodiodes using the ZnMgO semiconductor system whose spectral responsivity can be compositionally tuned across the UV spectrum. This work will take place in the department's world class nanofabrication laboratory using our proven and provisionally patented Schottky diode fabrication technology and ZnMgO material grown using the University of Canterbury molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) system. The resulting photodiodes will be deployed in electronic UV monitoring badges and real time UV displays which will be used in schools to teach young New Zealanders about the risks and benefits of UV exposure. (Jointly supervised by Assoc Prof Steven Durbin).

Radiation Resilient, High Temperature Devices (ME/PhD Projects)

Ever wanted to put something into space? This could be your chance! Most conventional, silicon-based, electronic devices have a hard time coping with the high radiation levels and extreme temperatures found in space. ZnO is a radiation resilient, wide band gap semiconductor that is a strong candidate for high temperature electronic devices that can reliably operate in space and other harsh environments. We have recently developed a world leading and provisionally patented technology for the fabrication of high quality Schottky contacts to ZnO. Schottky contacts are the key components in a number of potential devices such as power diodes, transistors, and nanoscale power generators. In this project, you will design, fabricate, and test prototype devices which will be used to provide the ‘proof of concept' for ZnO as a ‘space age' semiconductor. This work will take place in the department's world class nanofabrication laboratory using ‘state of the art' lithographic, material growth, and device characterisation tools. (Jointly supervised by Assoc Prof Steven Durbin).

Related Publications

M.W. Allen and S.M. Durbin, “Influence of oxygen vacancies on Schottky contacts to ZnO,” Applied Physics Letters 92, 122110 (2008).

M.W. Allen, S.M. Durbin and J.B. Metson, “Silver oxide Schottky contacts on n-type ZnO,” Applied Physics Letters 91, 053512 (2007).

M.W. Allen, M.M. Alkaisi and S.M. Durbin, “Metal Schottky diodes on Zn-polar and O-polar bulk ZnO,” Applied Physics Letters 89, 103520 (2006). (Selected for the 18 September 2006 issue of the Virtual Journal of Nanoscale Science and Technology 14 (12) 2006).

Professor Pat Bodger

Transformers (ME/PhD Projects)

These projects look at new transformer designs, particularly using partial cores. We have developed a number of devices for specific applications, including a resonant transformer for high voltage testing of stators (below left), a sphere flashing unit, a unit for charging capacitors, a high current tester and a high temperature superconducting partial core transformer (below right) as proof of concept devices.

We are currently improving the design process by deriving new models for simulation purposes and comprehensive testing for performance verification. The goal now is to explore alternative designs using new materials and for new applications. Some of these are:

Very high voltage generation using cascade units
Partial core transformer for resonant earthing

Partial Core Rotating Machines (ME/PhD Projects)

These projects look at taking the partial core concept into the design of rotating machines, especially synchronous generators and induction motors, where winding material can be used to trade off core material and losses reduced by using superconductors. The initial investigations have been undertaken as final year projects and the goal is to redesign the machines to optimize performance and then to explore the use of superconductors.

Electroheating (ME Projects)

Induction heaters can be viewed as special types of transformers where heat generation is encouraged rather than suppressed. Electrical heating for specific purposes is very controllable and can be economical relative to methods requiring surface heat transfer. The specific applications requiring modelling, design, fabrication and testing include:

Transduction fluid heater
Transduction billet heater

Flashovers of High Voltage Transmission Equipment Exposed to Volcanic Ashfall (ME/PhD Project)

Volcanic activity is a major hazard in the North Island of New Zealand. Volcanic ash is the most widely distributed product of explosive volcanic eruptions, and areas hundreds of kilometres distant from an erupting volcano can receive ashfalls. The most common problems arise from supply outages due to insulator flashover, controlled outages during ash cleaning and line breakage. The project is to consider the design of insulators and their effect on flashover levels when contaminated with volcanic ash.

Flock Hill Micro Hydro (ME Project)

Flock Hill high country station is located near Arthur's Pass on the way to the West Coast. In 1960, a micro-hydro electric power system was installed to supply the station. In 1995, a supply from the national grid was installed and the micro-hydro system was no longer required. The consortium that now runs Flock Hill station is interested in reviving the micro-hydro system to generate power and supplement that coming from the grid. An initial study has been undertaken by students enrolled in a Master's course to assess the condition of the equipment and to make recommendations regarding its refurbishment. The project is to continue this investigation and lead a small team towards recommissioning the system.

Life Cycle Analysis of Generators in NZ (ME Project)

The energy output of any generation system depends on the expenditure of energy in the mining and refining of materials, their fabrication into useful components, the assembly of infrastructure, operation and maintenance, and finally decommissioning. The proportions of these depend on the type of primary energy; from fossil fuel, nuclear or renewable energy resources. They also depend on the geographical location of the generation plant even if the same fuel is used, as one site may be more accessible than another. This project looks at the evaluation of specific plants in New Zealand and extends the analysis to translate energy use data into environmental impacts, through quantification of wastes emitted from the plant.

Energy use in Developing Countries (ME Project)

Having energy is considered to be the most important input to improving human welfare. This is because it enables the delivery of the basics of life such as water, food, clothing, shelter, health, education, and the development of economic wellbeing beyond basic need. Electricity as an energy form allows the attainment of human needs while being relatively benign to the environment in its use. However, this may not necessarily be the case with its generation, where primary energy resource conversion can have significant impacts. The project is to investigate the electrification of developing countries through the quantification of available resources, consumption, economics, demographics and culture. In particular, the prospects for South American and Pacific regions can be studied to ascertain appropriate electrification directions for these regions.

Dr Paul Gaynor

I currently have two main areas of research interest that have projects available: Biomedical electronics/electromagnetics, and alternative electric power generation technology. Note: If you have any of your own research project ideas in the general areas of biological electric field applications, alternative electric power generation, or power electronics applications (including the electric car), then let me know and we'll talk about the possibilities.

The biomedical research is based mainly around medical therapy/treatment uses of electric fields (as opposed to the more common diagnostic uses of electromagnetic fields - EEG, MRI, impedance tomography, etc). These uses cover important areas such as cancer chemotherapy, gene therapy, electro-surgery, liquid disinfection, and modern cloning.

Presently, the alternative electric power generation technology research I have been focusing on is low temperature differential Stirling engine based. New Zealand (along with many other countries) has a vast low temperature (sub 100°C) geothermal resource that could be tapped for the purposes of electric power generation. To be viable though, the technology must be relatively low cost and reliable. Stirling engines may provide one solution. In tandem with this research is the need for development of appropriate power electronic converters.

Biomedical Electronics/Electromagnetics

Electrical Cell Movement and Alignment using Micro/Nano–scopic Electrode Systems (ME or PhD Project)

Nonlinear AC electric fields can be used to physically move cells. This effect is to be optimized for the purposes of cell movement in modern biomedical applications. The project requires a student with an interest in biological systems and is confident with manual skills.

Microcontroller Interfaced High Frequency Signal Generator, High Voltage Switch-mode Power Supply, and Square-wave Pulse Generator (ME Project)

This project involves the design, building and testing of a programmable DC-10MHz signal generator, a high voltage (1000V) switch mode power supply, and integrated square-wave pulse generator. The work will primarily involve basic microcontroller electronics, analogue electronics, power electronics, and high frequency PCB design. The equipment is to be used for novel biomedical applications in cancer chemotherapy, gene therapy, liquid disinfection, and cloning.

High Voltage Liquid Disinfection System (ME Project)

Further development of a high-voltage method for liquid (mainly drinking water) disinfection is required. This is a highly practical and hands-on project where stuff actually gets built and tested. The development is mainly around design that eliminates expensive deionizing filters currently used. The project requires a practically-minded student with a desire to play around with some power.

New High Voltage Amplifier Design (ME or PhD Project)

Research into the biomedical (and other) uses of high voltage (around 5kV) broad-band signals (from DC to 10MHz) has not been readily conducted owing to the difficulty in producing such signals. A new amplifier design is required to meet the desired specifications. Such a design will require novel ideas on how to overcome issues such as slew-rate levels, induced noise and stability.

Stirling Engine Power Generation

Low Temperature Differential Electrically-Controlled Stirling Engine (ME or PhD Project)

This project is highly practical and quite mechanical, requiring the design, construction and control of a low temperature differential Stirling engine to efficiently output around 1kW of electrical power. A great deal of the mechanical superstructure has been built in a previous Masters project, but there is scope for some redesign and fabrication. A significant amount of electronics is involved with the sensing of pressure, temperature, and position, and the control of the engine and load characteristics.

Mains-synchronous Power Inverter (ME Project)

There is a need to design a low-cost single-phase power inverter that can be used by those with small amounts of power generation capacity (nominally 500W), who wish to connect to their own household mains power supply. This is a highly hands-on power electronics project that will result in a skill base and knowledge many employers will find very attractive.

Professor Neville Watson

Power Quality in Electrical Networks

Power Quality has been a major area of research for our group here over many years. There are two sides to this, the first is the performance of the electrical devices (both generation and loads) the second is the performance and characteristics of the electrical network itself and what it can withstand. The steps to be taken on both sides involve characterization, development of suitable models and the investigation of possible mitigation methods for the power quality issues.

Watson N.R. and Arrillaga J., “Power Systems ElectroMagnetic Transients Simulation”, IEE Books 2003.

Arrillaga J. and Watson N.R. “Power System Harmonics”, 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons 2003.

Arrillaga J., Smith B.C., Watson N.R. and Wood A.R., “Power System Harmonic Analysis”, John Wiley & Sons 1997.

Arrillaga J., Chen S. and Watson N.R., “Power System Quality Assessment”, John Wiley & Sons 2000.

Transient State Estimation (ME/PhD Project)

The concept of a new technique for Transient State Estimation, based on the well know numerical integrator substitution method, was demonstrated in 2008 on a small single-phase system. This is an exciting new technique and the potential needs to be explored. This is an improvement on the previous Transient State Estimation algorithm which used a state-variable. A more comprehensive three-phase version needs developing and the performance with measurement noise and bad-data detection need to be investigated.

Yu K.C.C. and Watson N.R., “An Approximate Method for Transient State Estimation”, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, Volume: 22, No. 3, July 2007, pp 1680- 1687.

Yu. K.K.C. and Watson N.R., “Identification of Fault Locations using Transient State Estimation”, Proceedings of the International Power System Transient Conference (IPST 2005), Montreal (Canada), June 2005.

Harmonic Domain Modelling of Distribution Systems (ME/PhD Projects)

The Harmonic Domain has been developed for accurate modelling the interaction of non-linear loads, such as HVDC links and FACTS devices in transmission systems. With the large scale deployment of CFLs and heat-pumps as well as the use of embedded generation with inverter interfaces, the need to accurately model their interaction is important and the direct harmonic current injection technique is not adequate for this situation. This project aims at developing new models in the Harmonic Domain and benchmarking the use of Harmonic domain against direct harmonic current injection technique for distribution system modelling.

Electromagnetic Transients Simulation (ME/PhD Project)

Electromagnetic Transient Simulation is an important aspect of any engineering design, however, the results are only as good as the component models and algorithm used. This project is aimed at furthering the state of the art in simulation techniques and system representation. Two specific areas needing further research are:

A new Frequency-Adaptive version numerical integrator substitution method.
Use of root-matching method inside component model such as the UMEC transformer model.

Computer Analysis of Electrical Power Systems

Electrical Power System Simulator (ME Project)

Many programs have been developed to advance the modelling of power systems, however, they are normally very specific. The aim of this project is to develop the framework and auxiliary programs (such as Transmission Line and Cable parameter programs) so that other analysis can be easily plugged in and tested. This is to be a text based framework similar to LFH so that it is portable and long lasting.

Arrillaga J. and Watson N.R., “Computer Modelling of Electrical Power Systems”, 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons 2001.

Modelling of HVDC and FACTS Devices in Conventional Power System Analysis Programs (ME/PhD Projects)

Power-electronic controllers, such as HVDC links and FACTS devices at transmission level and Custom Power devices at distribution level, are rapidly being introduced into electrical power systems to overcome technical constraints. The characteristics of these systems as well as their impact on the system need to be investigated. Conventional power system analysis algorithms need to be revisited to ensure adequate representation of these new devices.

Modelling FACTS devices in power system analysis (e.g. Power-Flow and Fault studies).
Development of a new three-phase Power System simulator using the latest techniques (this may include the new Harmonic Domain algorithm).

Phase Domain Fault Analysis Program (ME Project)

Traditionally sequence components are used in Fault analysis programs. Modern computers can easily handle matrix equations without the need to resort to sequence components. The aim of this project is to assess the loss of accuracy due to using sequence transform by developing a phase-domain Fault analysis program and comparing this with the traditional sequence component based Fault analysis program.

Artificial Intelligence in Power Systems (ME Project)

Artificial Intelligence techniques are now filling the power system journals as people research ways of gainfully using these techniques in power systems. Power system optimisation and control are areas that have potential due to the complexity of modern power systems. Processing the vast amount of power system information is another task AI techniques are being used for. This project is to investigate then implement an AI technique to optimise the power system. The optimisation of the power system is very important due to the significant benefits that can be achieved. Conventional optimisation techniques have difficulties due to the many constraints and multiple minima points and discrete nature of some parameters (Tap-position of transformers). Another interesting area is the use of AI techniques to optimise the design of harmonic filters for a given application.

Dr Andrew Bainbridge-Smith

Computational Arithmetic, Signal Processing and Digital Logic (ME/PhD Projects)

Algorithmic and computational techniques are assessed by looking at three criteria: performance, resource requirements and energy efficiency. The first criterion is usually well understood, relating to how quickly a calculation can be performed and includes concepts such as computational bandwidth or throughput (e.g. number of samples processed per second). It is also reasonable well understood that to achieve higher processing performance more complex algorithms (usually) are required, which in turn require more processing resources. Finally, but sometimes overlooked, algorithmic performance and resource utility in turn impacts on the energy efficiency of a design.

Thus for any application we need to address and balance the relative importance of these three design criteria. For example in mobile computing, particularly in the communications domain, battery powered devices demand that we place great importance on the energy efficiency of our algorithms, whilst still achieving a minimum performance target.

Until relatively recently these three issues have been rolled together into a choice between various microprocessors. In this case the efficiency of the hardware is fixed and any gains must be made through software. This approach can, however, be rather crude as the hardware choice maybe poorly matched to the problem. The other widely considered option in this situation is the possibility of an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) if the volume of production warrants it. However programmable logic devices (FPGAs) now provide a viable third choice, with the flexibility of programmability and performance of custom hardware logic.

Projects in this area involve investigating novel computational techniques to be implemented on programmable logic (and possible ASIC). The intention is to quantify the algorithms against the three design criteria. For example, we have been looking at new adder designs using redundant number systems (Will Kamp, PhD Student) as addition is fundamental to most computational methods. This work in turn has given insight into multiplication and MAC design, also being worked upon. There is room to extend this work in the area of other fundamental computation arithmetic architectures such as CORDICs, division and comparison. Some work has also been done in the area of alternative number systems for floating point arithmetic, an area where again much work could be done.

This work is of interest to organisations such as the Wireless Research Centre (WRC) as it provides insight into the design choices for digital signal processing at the frontend of radio systems. The WRC as part of NZi3 may well be in position to fund applicants in this research area.

Design for Digital Logic Circuits (ME/PhD Projects)

This research work focuses on how designs can be implemented in digital logic circuits. I am interested in both general purpose applications, say in image processing, as well as specific designs such as those in the signal processing research described above. The problem looks at how abstract designs can be recorded and then automatically “compiled” into an implementation, i.e. it's all about computer language and compiler design where the target is not a microprocessor but a programmable device (FPGA). Of course solutions already exist, but the aim here is to incorporate some ideas from software engineering, particularly the work in Aspect Oriented Design, a successor to Object Oriented Design. The objective is about improving the efficiency of translating abstract design into realised implementation.

Enhanced Retinal Imaging (ME/PhD Project)

The burgeoning epidemic of diabetes in New Zealand (and western nations in general) threatens to overwhelm health budgets (as much as 20% in NZ) in terms of chronic effects. It is one of the leading causes of blindness. Its disease history is progressive over the long term; with respect to the diabetic eye this means that constant monitoring is the major component of the treatment regime. Monitoring involves taking photographs of the retina (light sensitive part of the eye) and looking for particular pathology in the images. Should significant retinopathy (pathology of the eye) be observed laser therapy maybe undertaken and monitoring increased. The engineering research problems to be addressed here include developing image processing techniques for automatic detection of diabetic retinopathies, techniques for automated assistive screening, image management processes and processes for tele-medicine to provide screening services to remote communities.

Another potential research area includes advanced optical techniques, based on adaptive optics and wavefront sensing, to produce very high resolution images of the retina. With such images we could address questions such as “can this lead to better understanding of ocular pathology?” The work also has implications in the design of retinal cameras and super- microscopes/binoculars.

Professor Phil Bones

Vocoder Intelligibility (ME Project)

Tait are currently designing a brand new range of products which conform to the Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) standard, and approximately 2 years away from developing new Phase II P25 products. Both DMR and P25 Phase II have a new state-of-the-art very-low-bit-rate Vocoder which allows significantly better spectrum usage compared to older standards such as P25 Phase I. However Tait has no control over the Vocoder as it is part of the two standards and the Vocoder is purchased as a separate component. The perceived speech quality with the Vocoder to date has been disappointing. Following a study into the deficiencies by the Communications Disorders Department, this project is to develop signal processing algorithms which will attempt to modify the speech before or after the Vocoder process. An FRST Technology Industry Fellowship (TIF) application is planned to support the student and project. Supervisors: Philip Bones, Alan Murray (Tait Electronics Ltd).

Medipix CT Image Reconstruction (ME/PhD Project)

A new computed tomography (CT) scanner is being built at UC for imaging laboratory animals and samples of excised human tissue. It employs a new imaging chip called "Medipix" which has special energy discriminating electronics built into each pixel. Specific objectives for the project are: 1) to establish how much scatter reduction is possible compared with other detectors that cannot separate out specific energies of X-ray photons; and 2) to establish the best form of reconstruction algorithm suited for small animals, excised breast tissue and large organ imaging. Supervisors: Philip Bones, Anthony Butler (ECE Postdoctoral Fellow), Richard Watts (Physics and Astronomy).

Real-time Correction of Motion Effects in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PhD Project)

We are developing methods for detecting and correcting motion effects in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We have already developed, tested and published a new algorithm for successful detection and correction of motion disturbances with postprocessing (i.e. performing the correction after the scan is finished). This approach is limited to certain types of motion. We now seek to measure the motion of the region being imaged in real-time and alter the scan parameters dynamically to achieve an artifact-free image. This challenging project involves advanced algorithms and instrumentation. It would suit someone with an interest in signal processing, image processing and/or RF electronics. Supervisors: Philip Bones, Richard Watts (Physics and Astronomy), Julian Maclaren (University of Freiburg, Germany).

Signal Delay in Cascaded Multirate DSP Systems (ME/PhD Project)

Multirate methods offer excellent efficiency for many signal processing tasks implemented on DSP devices. While a lot has been written about the efficiency, less is known about the signal delay properties of multirate designs. Preliminary work by Phil Bones seems to indicate that signal delay can be quite severe in some situations. The project will study in detail a number of common multirate configurations and design a software tool which can be used to estimate performance, both in terms of computation and signal delay. At least one publication in a quality journal can be expected. Supervisors: Philip Bones, Ken Runtz (University of Regina, Saskatchewan)).

Dr Michael Hayes

Shallow-water Synthetic Aperture Sonar (ME/PhD Project)

The Acoustic Research Group in the ECE department has a long track record of innovative developments in synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) which is a technique to form optical-like images of the seafloor. But the field has now moved on to where most of these types of sonar are mounted on unmanned submarines something that is way beyond a university budget. However, what has not been tried (and so is completely new) is how to operate one of these sonars in extremely shallow water; say less than 2m in depth.

We have a superb natural laboratory in Lyttelton Harbour which has a 2m tidal range. The idea would be to lay out a test object field at low tide in some area behind Quail Island and then image the object field at high tide. This will enable us to compare the image obtained with the actual object field (this is known as getting ground-truth). What is also very exciting is that we have almost all the equipment we need to conduct this research.

There are some significant technical issues that need to be addressed. Just how does any side-scan sonar operate in such shallow waters? Does a synthetic aperture sonar have any advantages over a traditional side-scan sonar? (Co-supervised by Professor Peter Gough).

Multiple View Synthetic Aperture Sonar (ME/PhD Project)

The goal of the synthetic aperture project is to obtain high resolution images of the seafloor and to have fun in the process. Currently we have to tow the sonar towfish along a (nominally) straight track but ideally we would like to be able to perform arbitrary manoeuvres, say to circle a part of the seafloor of interest. The problem is how the multiple views are combined to achieve higher quality imagery. Algorithms would need to be developed to reconstruct images from arbitrary synthetic apertures and to combine the multiple views. This project would suit a student interested in signal/image processing. (Co-supervised by Professor Peter Gough).

PMultiple Receiver Synthetic Aperture Sonar Autofocusing (ME/PhD Project)

We are currently extending our high-resolution underwater imaging sonar to employ an array of multiple receivers so that we can image the seafloor at greater speeds. However, due to the unknown motion of the sonar with respect to the sea-floor, we need to develop and employ autofocusing algorithms to correct the data measured from the receiver array so that we can obtain diffraction-limited imagery. Techniques developed in this area would also be applicable to other fields such as medical imaging. This project would be of interest to someone with an interest in signal/image processing. (Co-supervised by Professor Peter Gough).

Multipath Rejection for Bathymetric Synthetic Aperture Sonar (ME/PhD Project)

The goal of this project is to develop image reconstruction algorithms to produce high resolution bathymetric (height) images of the seafloor. These can be used to produce a detailed 3-D model of the seafloor. One of the key problems to solve is the rejection of multipath echoes from the sea surface. A likely solution is the application of statistical signal processing techniques similar to those used to separate multipath with cellular radio. This project would be of interest to someone with an interest in signal/image processing. (Co-supervised by Professor Peter Gough).

Spotlight Synthetic Aperture Sonar (ME/PhD Project)

The new synthetic aperture sonar we are developing has provision for steering of the transmitted beam in real-time. This can be used to insonify a portion of the seafloor of interest to achieve a higher resolution. The goal of this project is to develop software to control the steering of the transmitted beam and to collect, store, process, and display the received echoes. The software would run on the computers inside the sonar towfish and on the towboat. This project would suit someone interested in real-time software, embedded system development, and signal processing. There is also scope for digital hardware development and VHDL programming. (Co-supervised by Professor Peter Gough).

System-on-chip Imaging Processing (ME/PhD Project)

Synthetic aperture sonar image reconstruction is computationally intensive and we are looking for a student to extend our research at implementing these algorithms on high performance FPGAs. (Co-supervised by Dr Andrew Bainbridge-Smith).

Synthetic Aperture Sonar Simulation (ME/PhD Project)

Over the past few years we have developed a sophisticated synthetic aperture sonar simulator that models scattering of sound from the seafloor. I am looking for a student to extend the simulator to more accurately model the propagation of sonar signals and to make the simulator easier to use. This project would suit a person interested in signal/image processing, computer graphics, and programming. (Co-supervised by Professor Peter Gough).

Acoustic Timber Inspection (ME/PhD Project)

There is a demand by foresters for non-destructive techniques to assess the strength and stability of timber in standing trees. One approach is to send acoustic signals along the tree stem and to measure the propagation characteristics. The goal of this project is to construct smart microprocessor-based accelerometer probes that can be daisy-chained together. Each probe would sample the signal from its accelerometer and transmit that digitised waveforms via a wireless to a PDA or PC for further processing. This project would suit a student interested in electronics and digital signal processing. (Co-supervised by Professor John Walker of the Forestry Department).

Acoustic Tomography for Tree Inspection (ME/PhD Project)

The goal of this project is to image the mechanical properties of the wood inside a tree through measurements of stress waves obtained from accelerometers inserted around a tree. This project would suit a student interested in signal/image processing. (Co-supervised by Professor John Walker of the Forestry Department).

Adjunct Assoc Prof Richard Jones

Richard is Director of the Christchurch Neurotechnology Research Programme (www.neurotech.org.nz) based at Van der Veer Institute for Parkinson's and Brain Research (www.vanderveer.org.nz) and a formal joint venture between Canterbury District Health Board (Medical Physics and Bioengineering, Neurology), University of Canterbury (Electrical and Computer Engineering, Psychology), and University of Otago, Christchurch (Medicine).

Several ME/PhD projects are on offer within our Lapse Research Programme. These will be of particular interest to students with strong interests and expertise in signal and/or image processing and keen to apply and improve their skills in a fascinating, albeit challenging, area of biomedical/neural engineering.

Lapses in responsiveness (‘lapses'), including microsleeps and lapses of sustained attention, disrupt performance completely from ~0.5–15 s and can result in injury or death, especially in the transport sector (pilots, air-traffic controllers, truck & car drivers, etc.) We are a world leader in lapse research in terms of the characterization and EEG-based detection of lapses. Despite this achievement, the detection – and, better still, prediction – of lapses has proven a difficult nut to crack, with our current level of detection still someway to go before being sufficient for lapse detection devices in the real-world. As part of our drive to improve this detection, we are undertaking studies involving simultaneous-fMRI+EEG to improve our understanding of the spatiotemporal dynamics of lapses in the brain and provide additional cues for detection algorithms. For example, we have collected continuous and simultaneous fMRI, multi-channel EEG, and video of eyes from 20 healthy non-sleep-deprived adults while performing a novel 2‑D visuomotor tracking task for 50 min in a 3T MRI scanner. This, together with other past and planned experimental studies, has provided and will continue to provide masses of valuable data and opportunities and needs in advanced signal and image processing.

Projects on offer are:

Automated estimation of tonic arousal/alertness from EEG (via spectral analysis, non-linear methods, machine learning, etc.).
Bayesian approaches to detection of lapses of responsiveness (Bayes Nets, Bayesian-trained neural networks, Monte Carlo techniques, particle filters, etc.).
Real-time detection and prediction of microsleeps by enhancement of deep electrical activity in the brain (ICA , beamformer, etc.).
Lapse detection: Building a working portable prototype (placement & attachment of electrodes, dry hair-penetrable electrodes, development of wireless electrodes, etc.).
Adaptive non-stationary auto-regressive models for enhanced accuracy and increased temporal resolution of detection of lapses from the EEG.
Multimodal approaches to lapse detection (EEG, videometrics of face/eyes, corrective movements, head movements, etc.)
Prediction techniques: Comparison and optimization of techniques for prediction of lapses (also applications in clinic-based driver assessment and outcome from mild traumatic brain damage). Will involve investigating, optimizing, and validating statistical modelling techniques such as discriminant analysis, logistic regression, partial-least-squares correlation, Bayesian, and various types of artificial neural networks.
Causality analysis of fMRI and EEG.
Integration of fMRI and EEG to achieve optimal information on spatiotemporal dynamics of lapses (including different types) in the brain.
Automated detection and classification of lapses of responsiveness in the laboratory (from tracking performance and video of eyes).
Real-time multi-modal lapse and drowsiness detector. Will involve construction and evaluation of a prototype head-mounted real-time lapse detector based primarily on features obtained from multi-channel EEG and video-metrics of the eyes.

**Recent Publications (pertinent)**

Poudel GR, Jones RD, Innes CRH, Watts R, Signal TL, Bones PJ (in press). fMRI correlates of behavioural microsleeps during a continuous visuomotor task. Proceedings of 31st Annual International Conference of IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC 2009), Minneapolis, USA, 31, 4 pages.

Poudel GR, Jones RD, Innes CR, Bones PJ. (2008). Characteristics and EEG spectral dynamics of behavioural microsleeps in a mock-MRI scanner. (Abstract) NeuroImage, 41, Supp. 1., S59.

Poudel G, Jones R, Innes C, Davidson P, Watts R, Signal L, Bones P (2008). Increased multisensory activity during cued slow-eye-closure while performing a visuomotor tracking task: an fMRI study. (Abstract) Australasian Physical & Engineering Sciences in Medicine, 31, 488-489.

Poudel G, Jones R, Innes C (2008). A 2-D pursuit tracking task for behavioural detection of lapses (Abstract) Australasian Physical & Engineering Sciences in Medicine, 31, 528-529.

Poudel GR, Jones RD, Innes CRH, Davidson PR, Watts R, Bones PJ, Signal TL (2008). Functional-MRI correlates of cued slow-eye-closure and task non-responsiveness during visuomotor tracking. Proceedings of 30th Annual International Conference of IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC 2008), Vancouver, Canada, 30, 4122-4125.

Peiris MTR, Jones RD, Davidson PR, Bones PJ (2008). Event-based detection of lapses of responsiveness. Proceedings of 30th Annual International Conference of IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC 2008), Vancouver, Canada, 30, 4960-4963.

Van Hese P, Vanrumste B, Hallez H, Carroll GJ, Vonck K, Jones RD, Bones PJ, D'Asseler Y, Lemahieu I (2008). Detection of focal epileptiform events in the EEG by spatio-temporal dipole clustering. Clinical Neurophysiology, 119: 1756-1770.

Davidson PR, Jones RD, Peiris MTR (2007). EEG-based behavioral microsleep detection with high temporal resolution. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 54: 832-839.

Peiris MTR, Jones RD, Davidson PR, Carroll GJ, Bones PJ (2006). Frequent lapses of responsiveness during an extended visuomotor tracking task in non-sleep-deprived subjects. Journal of Sleep Research, 15, 291-300.

Jones RD (2006). Measurement of sensory‑motor control performance capacities: Tracking tasks. In: Bronzino JD (Ed). The Biomedical Engineering Handbook – Biomedical Engineering Fundamentals, 3rd Edition, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, Chapter 77, 1-25.

Dr Allan McInnes

"How can we engineer the interactions within complex systems?"

Answering that question is the basic motivation underlying my research. Of course, that's quite a broad question, so at the moment I'm focusing on some smaller pieces of the problem. In particular, I'm looking at tools and techniques for engineering the interactions within pervasive computing systems, networked embedded systems, “cyber-physical” systems, and distributed control systems. I have several ME and PhD research projects in these areas, and I'm open to suggestions for other similar projects. I'm also open to projects in other areas, including embedded systems design, robotics, fault-tolerant or dependable systems design, concurrency theory, and practical applications of formal methods. I encourage interested students to stop by my office (A513) so that we can chat about potential projects and where they might lead.

Sensor Network Debugging Tools (One or more ME Projects)

The goal of this project is to develop a system for gathering and analysing debugging data from a deployed wireless sensor network. The idea here is that the way sensor nodes behave in isolation can be quite different from the way they behave when they're situated in a network (due to differences in the environment and interactions with other nodes). So we're interested in having tools for seeing what's really going on in the network. A good starting point would be to design a device that enables in-situ measurements of sensor node power consumption. Beyond that, there's plenty of work to be done on refining and extending the design: gathering actual field data to help determine what sort of measurements are useful, improving the sensor design, adding other kinds of measurement capabilities, developing software for analysing and visualising the collected data, and figuring out how to integrate the information we're collecting into a real-time network debugging system.

SciPySim – Parallel System Simulation (One or more ME Projects)

SciPySim [http://code.google.com/p/scipy-sim/] is a research-driven system simulation package built on top of the SciPy scientific computing platform. The design of SciPySim is intended to encourage parallelization of simulations by making each simulation block a separate thread, eliminating (or at least minimizing the use of) the global simulation clock. In principle, this should make parallelization easy. In practice, there are both research challenges (“can we maintain a coherent simulation in the absence of a global clock?”) and software engineering problems (“how can we move from a multi-threaded to a multi-process execution model?”) to be overcome.

SciPySim – Discrete-Event Simulation of Continuous Systems (ME or PhD Project)

SciPySim [http://code.google.com/p/scipy-sim/] is a research-driven system simulation package built on top of the SciPy scientific computing platform. One of the more interesting experimental features of SciPySim is a discrete-event numerical integration scheme based on ideas developed in the DEVS research community. This scheme is quite different than standard fixed-step or variable-step numerical integration schemes, such as those used by Matlab, and offers some interesting advantages over standard schemes: easy event-detection, well-bounded errors, variable time-steps without the need for rollback, and asynchronous operation of separate integrators. These features make discrete-event integration seem like a good candidate for large-scale parallel simulation of mixed continuous/event-driven systems (such as large embedded systems). However, there's been very little work on developing this style of numerical integration. Depending on the interests of the student, this project could involve implementation and evaluation of some more complex integration schemes than the one presently in SciPySim, or could extend into a deeper study of the development and application of discrete-event integration algorithms for large-scale simulation of mixed continuous/event-driven systems.

Event-Based Control (Several PhD Projects)

Event-based control is an alternative to traditional periodic digital control. An event-based system only samples and performs control actuation when significant events (such as threshold crossings) occur in the controlled system. Event-based control is relatively easy to implement, and has been used in a variety of real-world applications. It also has a number of advantages over periodic control: it only performs control actions when necessary, is useful in situations where control actions or communications costs are high, and can be less sensitive to timing jitter. These advantages make it a good candidate for use in networked and distributed control systems. However, there has been only a small amount of work on developing a theory for event-based control systems, and many open research questions remain.

Professor Rick Millane

My research interests are in image reconstruction algorithms: signal processing techniques that are used to reconstruct images from various kinds of data, and related problems. I am interested in any application area, but current projects focus on applications in molecular biology and remote sensing for the Earth and atmospheric sciences. I find that applying electrical engineering principles to solve problems in different scientific and technical disciplines to be particularly interesting and productive. These projects involve signal processing, physical and mathematical modelling and analysis, diffraction, and computational algorithm development. The skills you will develop are in demand in areas such as biological and medical imaging, information and image processing, remote sensing (optical, radar, sonar, lidar, etc), modelling, and scientific and technical software development.

To find out more about my research projects, as well as similar projects by other staff members, refer to the “Computational Imaging Group” page on the Department Website at
www.elec.canterbury.ac.nz/imaging.

Diffraction by Disordered Systems (PhD Project)

Diffraction imaging is a powerful method for imaging molecules in many biological and physical systems. Such systems are often disordered and applications of diffraction imaging require the calculation of diffraction from such systems. This project is concerned with models of disordered systems and theory and computational algorithms for calculating their diffraction. We are currently applying this to x-ray imaging of muscle structure.

Projection Algorithms for Image Reconstruction (PhD Project)

Iterative projection algorithms are a class of computational methods for solving image reconstruction problems when the data are sparse and have to be supplemented by various constraints. The problems are often very high-dimensional and plagued by local minima. These algorithms have the some ability to escape from local minima but have been little explored. This project involves studying the behaviour of these algorithms, building new variants to improve convergence properties, and exploring different applications.

New Applications of LIDAR (ME/PhD Projects)

LIDAR (light detection and ranging) is a technique for remotely measuring three-dimensional surface profiles. Aircraft-based scanners are used for wide area scanning of forests, river beds, urban areas, etc. This project involves developing new signal processing methods for analyzing and interpreting data from a new family of scanners that record multiple return pulses that have the potential to interrogate a variety of surface properties.

Applications of Eye Trackers in Vision Research (ME Project)

Eye trackers are used in vision experiments to measure the response of the eye to complex image sequences in order to help understand visual perception. The project will continue the work of a final year project this year on integrating an eye tracker into a vision experiment system, and develop methods for extracting perceptually relevant parameters from the data. The project will be conducted in collaboration with Dr Chen in the Psychology Department at UC.

Sample Publications

R.P. Millane, M.I. Weir and G.M. Smart. Automated analysis of imbrication and flow direction in alluvial sediments using laser-scan data. J. Sediment. Res., 76, 1049-1055 (2006).

R.P. Millane, M.E. Fitzsimons, M. Qi and A. Haider. Analysis of gravel river beds using three-dimensional laser scanning. In “Image Reconstruction from Incomplete Data IV,” P.J. Bones, M.A. Fiddy and R.P. Millane (Eds.), Proc. SPIE, Vol. 6316, 63160B/1-10, 2006.

V. Elser and R.P. Millane. Reconstruction of an object from its symmetry-averaged diffraction pattern. Acta Cryst., A64, 273-279 (2008).

V.L. Lo and R.P. Millane. Reconstruction of compact binary images from limited Fourier amplitude data. J. Opt. Soc. Am. A, 25, 2600-2607 (2008).

C.H. Yoon, B. Bodvarsson, S. Klim, M. Morkebjerg, S. Mortensen, J. Chen, J.R. Maclaren, P.K. Luther, J.M. Squire, P.J. Bones and R.P. Millane. Determination of myosin filaments rotations in electron micrographs of muscle cross-sections. IEEE Trans. Image Process., 18, 831-839 (2009).

D.H. Wojtas and R.P. Millane. Two-point correlation function for the triangular Ising antiferromagnet. Phys. Rev. E, 79, 041123/1-8 (2009).

V.L. Lo and R.P. Millane. Determination of molecular envelopes from solvent contrast variation data. Acta Crystallogr., A65, 312-318 (2009).

Dr Steve Weddell

The core of my research is signal processing. However, the applied areas are diverse and span across several disciplines. Machine learning is employed to solve a variety of Ill-posed inverse problems, from predicting solar wind, to estimating the distortion function caused by the effects of a turbulent atmosphere. However, machine learning is not restricted to prediction. Echo state networks and liquid state machines have been applied to a plethora of engineering and biological applications, respectively, to characterise the behaviour of systems. Hardware implementations are used to achieve dimensionality reduction and improve computational efficiency. The emerging research group, Computational Design and Adaptation, is focused on developing and applying technology to model and understand robust, continuous, learning systems.

Representing wavefront aberrations over a circular aperture (ME/PhD Project)

Zernike polynomials have been used to describe wavefront aberrations over a circular aperture. However, the set of Zernike polynomials are suboptimal, i.e. the covariance matrix of their coefficients contains non-zero terms off the diagonal. This research will consider alternative modal expansions, such as the Karhunen-Loéve expansion, and investigate alternative representations using an artificial neural network to classify a basis set supporting uncorrelated coefficients.

Intelligent modules for an evolvable hardware system (ME/PhD Project)

An evolvable hardware system comprises a reconfigurable circuit that is self-modified by the application of a genetic algorithm. This research requires the construction of a set of inter-operational components comprising simple analogue and digital modules that incorporate additional sensory capabilities that can be used as the basis for an evolvable architecture. For example, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) can be used in conjunction with programmable analogue circuitry as the basis for an evolving architectural platform. The construction of both analogue and digital modules will be required to incorporate capabilities to initially self-repair and possibly evolve, through unsupervised learning. Currently, evolvable architectures utilise VLSI technology however the basis of this work will be a combination of FPGAs and discrete analogue components. The system will be used as a test-bed for the application of a suitable genetic algorithm.

Design and development of a low-cost image correction system for small to medium sized telescopes (ME/PhD Project)

Adaptive optics (AO) is a technology originally developed by the US defence force to dramatically improve the resolution of ground-based telescopes. This is achieved by modifying the optical path of a telescope in real-time. Since declassification of the technology in the late 80’s, most large telescopes now employ AO; with results that rival space telescopes in the near infrared spectrum. However, there is a considerable number of small to medium telescopes (≤1m diameter aperture) that have yet to be converted. One major restriction is the high cost of precision optics and electro-mechanical devices. This research is based on developing a low cost imaging system that can be used to correct images at a rate of 50 frames-per-second using a method known as deconvolution from wavefront sensing. This method does not correct the optical path but uses image processing to restore each image. However, this method does require fast image sensors and the use of semi-custom hardware to stream and process image data to achieve real-time performance.

Evolutionary computer architecture (ME Project)

The instruction set architecture (ISA) of most modern computers is static. What is required is an evolutionary computer architecture that learns to adapt to the demands of CPU load and/or the types of algorithms that employ specific on-chip resources. A self-modifying ISA computer would have the potential to be whatever you want it to be, from an ATMega8 to an i7, depending on the application program on hand (or in memory). Such modifications can be incorporated by the application of an on-chip genetic algorithm.

Cascaded spatial light modulators for optical wavefront phase generation and correction (ME Project)

Research in the generation and correction of optical wavefront phase perturbations is required. Currently the Optical Laboratory supports a turbulence generator to generate phase perturbations for related work in adaptive optics. However, an alternative technology employs the super-twist quality of liquid crystal displays to alter optical wavefront phase. Projecting a laser through LCD material can produce wavefront maps and phase screens, the results of which can be imaged using polarised filters on high-speed CCD cameras. The employment of multiple, cascaded LCDs would allow emulation of multi-conjugate adaptive optical systems in the laboratory.

Mobile Power Efficient Auditory Speech Encoding (ME project)

Ultra-low power, small mobile devices need a mechanism to transmit information to users. Implement a learnable, pleasant, and moderately expressive encoding of human speech on a mobile platform such that information can be unobtrusively transmitted using low power sound generation on simple processors rather than presented through power and size inefficient displays.

University of Canterbury

Electrical and Computer Engineering

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Research Groups

Research Centres

Postgraduate Research Projects 2012

Research Areas and Staff Members Research Projects

Communications

Nanotechnology and Solid State Devices

Power Systems and Power Electronics

Signal and Image Processing

Dr Kim Eccleston

Microwave Metamaterials

Integration of Active Devices with Electromagnetic Structures

Efficient Microwave Power Amplifiers

Publications

Dr Philippa Martin

COMMUNICATION NETWORKS (Co-supervised by Dr Andreas Willig, CSSE Department)

Analysis and Systems Design for Systems with Multiple Hops, Users and Relays

Design of Advanced ARQ Schemes

LARGE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS (Co-supervised by Assoc Prof Peter Smith)

COGNITIVE RADIO SYSTEMS (Co-supervised by Assoc Prof Peter Smith)

MULTIPLE ANTENNA SYSTEMS (Co-supervised by Professor Des Taylor)

Multiuser MIMO

High Rate Space-Time Codes with Manageable Decoding Complexity

Coded Modulation for Space-Time Systems

Adaptive Space-Time Code Design

ERROR CONTROL CODING (Co-supervised by Professor Des Taylor)

ULTRA-WIDEBAND COMMUNICATIONS (Co-supervised by Professor Des Taylor)

Recent International Journal Publications

Recent International Conference Publications

Recent Thesis Completions

Assoc Prof Peter Smith

Publications

Professor Desmond Taylor

Cognitive Radio Systems

MIMO Systems using Multi-Amplitude Minimum Shift Keying (MAMSK)

Estimator Detector Receivers for MIMO

Capacity Analysis for Cooperative Radio Systems

Multi-User Detection Algorithms

Combined Decoding and Equalization Studies

Assoc Prof Maan Alkaisi

Nanoimprint Lithography of Textured Surfaces for Photovoltaic Applications (Nanotechnology) (PhD Project)

Fabrication of Thin Film Solar Cells on Pre-textured Substrates

Development of Lab on Chip for Single Cell Analysis and Imaging (Bionanotechnology, PhD Project)

Publications

Chapters in Books

Recent Refereed Publications

Dr Martin Allen

UV Photodiodes (ME/PhD Projects)

Radiation Resilient, High Temperature Devices (ME/PhD Projects)

Related Publications

Related Conference Presentations

Professor Pat Bodger

Transformers (ME/PhD Projects)

Partial Core Rotating Machines (ME/PhD Projects)

Electroheating (ME Projects)

Flashovers of High Voltage Transmission Equipment Exposed to Volcanic Ashfall (ME/PhD Project)

Flock Hill Micro Hydro (ME Project)

Life Cycle Analysis of Generators in NZ (ME Project)

Energy use in Developing Countries (ME Project)

Dr Paul Gaynor

Electrical Cell Movement and Alignment using Micro/Nano–scopic Electrode Systems (ME or PhD Project)

Microcontroller Interfaced High Frequency Signal Generator, High Voltage Switch-mode Power Supply, and Square-wave Pulse Generator (ME Project)

High Voltage Liquid Disinfection System (ME Project)

New High Voltage Amplifier Design (ME or PhD Project)

Low Temperature Differential Electrically-Controlled Stirling Engine (ME or PhD Project)

Mains-synchronous Power Inverter (ME Project)

Professor Neville Watson

Transient State Estimation (ME/PhD Project)

Harmonic Domain Modelling of Distribution Systems (ME/PhD Projects)

Electromagnetic Transients Simulation (ME/PhD Project)

Electrical Power System Simulator (ME Project)

Modelling of HVDC and FACTS Devices in Conventional Power System Analysis Programs (ME/PhD Projects)

Phase Domain Fault Analysis Program (ME Project)

Artificial Intelligence in Power Systems (ME Project)

Dr Andrew Bainbridge-Smith

Computational Arithmetic, Signal Processing and Digital Logic (ME/PhD Projects)

**Recent Publications (pertinent)**