| Summary: | Thesis (MTech (Electrical Engineering))--Peninsula Technikon, Cape Town, 2002. === Tne purpose of this research or study was to perform an investigation in the use of optical
fibers as sensor elements in order to develop a millimetre wave instrument capable of
measuring microwave power within microwave cavities. Included in the scope of the
project was an investigation of microwaves and microwave power measurements
techniques.
The emphasis of the research work was to develop expertise in photonics, by modeling
and developing a measuring technique using optical techniques. This was deemed to be
highly beneficial in laboratory experimentation and for possible use by microwave
technicians. The implementation was amongst others, done by means of computer
simulation and associated hardware, together with fiber-optic accessories.
In order to conduct this research a literature and technology survey of current non-optical
microwave power measurement technique was done. With this a review different power
measurements systems and their relationship towards microwave power measurements
was conducted. Within the scope of the project, a study of fiber optics sensors and its
components was also conducted, which enabled models for a Mach-Zehnder microwave
sensor to be developed. This resulted in the development of inexpensive electronic signal
conditioning and detection techniques to enable measurements that employed a Mach-Zehnder
Interferometer for this sensor technique.
Finally, as microwaves are difficult to measure with pure electronic equipment, different
approaches were made to investigate the temperature changes and other parameters on
optical fiber to avoid damage to it. The specifications of hardware and circuitry suitable to measure these effects were determined.
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