Microwave Theory and Techniques/ Antennas and Propagation (MTT/AP) Chapter

Welcome to the website of the IEEE Queensland joint MTT/AP Chapter.

The membership of both of the microwave theory and techniques (MTT) and antennas and propagation (AP) societies consists of industry and academic professionals with a common interest in Microwave Theory, Techniques as well as the related field of Antennas and Propagation. The chapter was formed on the 16-April-2002. The chapter aims to facilitate collaboration within industry and academia within the areas of microwaves, electro-magnetics, antennas and propagation. Queensland has a long history of Microwave/Antenna industry starting in the 1980s, with the Microwave Technology Development Center, which eventually became a commercial entity called MITEC. Over the next few decades the Microwave industry evolved into the several companies which are present to this date.

If you are interested interested in joining the Chapter, please contact the chapter chair. More information about the MTT and AP society can be found on the corresponding websites:

• IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society
• IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society

Some of the benefits of joining IEEE, and specifically the MTT and/or AP societies include

• Access to the world’s leading publications in the fields of electro-magnetics, antennas and propagation, microwave and related areas
• Discounted access to leading conferences in the field such as MTT-S, APS, APMC, EuMW, including student and early career travel grants.
• Involvement in technical committees to define and implement the technical directions of the Societies
• Eligibility for awards and peer recognition

Several times per year the MTT/AP chapter organises events including talks, seminars, workshops, site visits and conferences. These events are hosted at one of the main participating Universities (The University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and Griffith University), or an industry venue.

This website lists the upcoming and past events for the Chapter. Please check back from time to time to keep up to date on these.

Seminar: Chipless RFID Tag Sensor for Ubiquitous Environment Monitoring

Speaker: Emran Md Amin

Date: 20 May 2013 11:00

Abstract: A chipless RFID tag is a passive microwave device that can be directly printed on polymer with conductive ink. The aim of chipless RFID tag is to replace the existing barcodes used for item level tagging. Emerging new technologies are creating a paradigm shift in the chipless RFID application domain. New fabrication and material processing techniques have made it possible to create circuits and components that are nano-metre scale. Combined with fabrication techniques new materials are emerging that have the potential to challenge well known fundamental theories in physics. A chipless RFID tag sensor provides identification data as well as monitors a number of physical parameters of tagged objects. The tag sensor is a passive microwave device that uses intelligent/ smart polymer materials for environment sensing. The tag sensor is designed by integrating the Microwave and Materials Engineering and realized through nanofabrication facilities. The novelty of a Chipless RFID tag sensor has remarkable impact in research areas, economic and social aspects. To this date, a completely passive, printable, low cost, mass deployable, environmentally friendly Chipless RFID sensor node has not been reported for monitoring multiple sensing parameters. The RFID sensor measures temperature, pressure, humidity, pH level, presence of noxious gases and dielectric properties of media and objects. This wireless sensor tag is suited for applications such as, condition monitoring of perishable products and pharmaceuticals; wearable health monitoring tags for patients; structural health monitoring and numerous real world applications.

Meeting Link

Seminar: Maxwell-Plus-Plus: Clifford's Approach to Electromagnetism

Speaker: Dr Andrew Seagar

Date: 10 May 2013 15:00 at The University of Queensland, St Lucia and,

Date: 17 May 2013 15:00 at Griffith University, Nathan

Abstract: Clifford, a student of Maxwell, set himself the task of developing an algebra that somehow improved upon the tools of his time with the objective of making it easier to solve Maxwell's electromagnetic equations. Building on top of Grassmann's linear algebra, Descartes' coordinate system, Cardano's complex numbers and Hamilton's quaternions Clifford constructed a fundamentally new algebra. A geometric algebra. This algebra was never adopted into mainstream engineering for largely historical reasons. Clifford died from tuberculosis at the relatively young age of 34 in 1879 and Maxwell himself died at 48 later the same year. Contemporaries of Clifford and Maxwell preferred to follow Gibbs's vector calculus approach as popularised by Heaviside's rendition of Maxwell's equations in the form we recognise today. They saw little reason to adopt Clifford's new tool and disliked Maxwell's use of quaternions. Clifford and Maxwell did not have the opportunity to tell their side of the story.

This presentation first explores the connections between Clifford's algebra and the other tools of the period: Grassmann's linear algebra, Cardano's complex numbers, Hamilton's quaternions, Gibbs's vector calculus, and simple geometric transformations. The method by which Clifford's algebra is applied to electromagnetism is then examined and the advantages which ensue from adopting that approach are highlighted.

Meeting Link

Seminar: The Cell Method for electrical engineering and Multiphysics problems

Speaker: Dr Fabio Freschi

Date: 2 May 2013 13:00

Abstract: The seminar presents a numerical scheme for the solution of field problems governed by partial differential equations: the cell method. The technique lends itself naturally to the solution of multiphysics problems with several interacting phenomena. The Cell Method, based on a space-time tessellation, is related to the work of Tonti and to his ideas of classification diagrams or, as they are nowadays called, Tonti diagrams.

After a brief outline of the theoretical basis of the method, some examples of multiphysics problems, which have been solved with the cell method, are described. Finally, the coupled nonlinear transient simulation of the induction heating for surface hardening process is analyzed in details.

Meeting Link

Seminar: The Use of Multiplicity in Antenna and Propagation Engineering for Wireless Communication

Speaker: Prof Karu Esselle

Date: 26 Apr 2013 10:00am

Abstract: The use of multiple identical elements in a periodic or aperiodic fashion can solve challenges that cannot be solved using a single element. For decades, arrays of radiating elements have been employed to create narrow beams and frequency selective surfaces have been formed to filter electromagnetic waves propagating in free space. With the recent surge of research in Electromagnetic Band Gap (EBG), also known as Photonic Band Gap (PBG), the use of one- , two- or three-dimensional periodicity to achieve desirable radiation or propagation characteristics has received renewed interest. Multiplicity in one or several dimensions, with or without periodicity, has led to metamaterials with interesting properties. This presentation will focus on several selected practical applications of periodicity and multiplicity. They include EBG-resonator antennas (aka Fabry-Perot cavity antennas), leaky-wave antennas, band-reject filters, reconfigurable circuits, absorb or transmit frequency selective surfaces, dual-band artificial magnetic conductor surfaces, ultra-wideband planar proximity reflectors for bi-directional ultra-wideband antennas and frequency selective surfaces on energy-saving and float glass.

Meeting Link

Seminar: Terahertz quantum cascade lasers: physics and challenges in design, growth and fabrication

Speaker: A/Prof Dragan Indjin

Date: 9 Apr 2013 1:00pm

Abstract: Terahertz quantum-cascade lasers (THz QCLs), first realised in 2002, have now reached technological maturity. However, with maximum operating temperatures around 200K in pulsed mode, and ~ 250K in the strong magnetic field, a number of milestones have yet to be reached in order to achieve full commercialization potential. In this talk, we will focus on the underlying physics, recent design and modelling issues as well as on challenges in the growth, fabrication, and characterization of the device. Recent realisations, including electrically tunable heterogeneous cascade QCL and ambipolar dual-frequency QCL will be also discussed. Leeds experience in joint work and day-to-day interaction between the design/modelling and growth/ fabrication/characterization teams will be shared with the auditorium.

Meeting Link

Seminar: Chipless RFID: Revolution in Identification in the New Millennium

Speaker: A/Prof Nemai Karmakar

Date: 17 Jan 2013 1:00pm

Abstract: Radio Frequency IDentifcation (RFID) is one of the fastest growing technologies in recent decades. RFID is an omnipotent identification technology that has many significant applications. As for an example, car immobilizers use RFID technology. However, the penetration of RFID in low cost item level tagging is hindered due to its high cost. The application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) micro-chip in the RFID tag is the most expensive item in a tag. Researchers have been working to remove the chip from the tag so that the tag can be made fully printable and low-cost. However, printing microwave circuits on low grade packaging and labelling materials is not a trivial task. Tremendous design flexibility and high precision printing with high conductivity ink are needed to design microwave circuits on these materials. Additionally to these stringent requirements, reading of this tag is tremendous challenging due to its low fidelity response. No conventional protocols can be added in the chipless RFID tag as they have no on-board signal processing capability. Therefore, a fully new development of chipless RFID reader is needed. This seminar will present chipless RFID tag and reader for low cost item level tagging.

Meeting Link

• Events 2012

• Events 2011 (and before)

Unfortunately, we could not find all the past officers, please let us know if you are aware of any missing data or have been volunteer in the past.

• Microwave Utilities
• IEEE MTT Society Conference Calendar
• IEEE AP Society Conference Calendar