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Dr Robert Donnan, CPhys FInstP FIET

Robert

Reader in Terahertz Engineering

Email: r.donnan@qmul.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 20 7882 7519
Room Number: Engineering, Eng 362
Website: http://www.elec.qmul.ac.uk/people/robert/
Office Hours: Wednesday 15:30-16:30

Teaching

Communication Theory (Postgraduate)

Information theory, modulation schemes, source coding (including space-tome coding), and error correcting coding

Communication Theory (Undergraduate)

This module introduces the basic principles of modern communication systems. The primary objective is to provide fundamental tools and methodologies used in modelling, analyzing and simulating analog and digital communication systems. The following will be covered: Signal representation and spectral analysis, probability theory and random processes, detection and estimation of analog and digital systems in the presence of noise. Simulations are performed using Matlab.

Electronic Engineering Mathematics 2 (Undergraduate)

Module will cover topics in engineering mathematics relevant to Electronics and Electrical Engineering programs: Vector Calculus (field theory, surface and volume integration, field operators), linear algebra (matrices and matrix operations, applications to systems of equations, reduced Row Echelon Form, determinants, Cramer's rule, eigenvalues and eigenvectors), differential equations (solving first and second order DEs).

Electronics (Postgraduate)

The module will set out the fundamental principles of analogue electronics analysis and design, prior to studying applications of a range of electronics devices and subsystems, such as instrumentation amplifiers, active filters, low-noise amplifiers, feedback systems, isolation amplifiers, front-end amplifiers. Grounding and shielding and data acquisition systems will be briefly outlined. It outlines the operation of components such as diodes and transistors (BJTs and FETs) only briefly, while the main emphasis is on systems built and based on amplifiers.

Microwave and Millimetrewave Communications Systems (Undergraduate/Postgraduate)

The module covers: Introduction to microwave systems, bands and applications. Two conductor transmission media; coaxial, stripline and microstrip. Use of transmission line transformers in matching. The Smith chart; derivation, representation of admittance and impedance, normalisation. Stub matching. One-port devices; Schottky barrier diodes, PIN devices. Gunn and IMPATT devices; simple negative resistance oscillator design. Two-port devices; use of S-parameter analysis, passive two-port devices, the network analyser. The MESFET. Simple microwave amplifier design.

Microwave and Millimetrewave Communications Systems (Postgraduate)

The module covers the analysis and design of sub--?systems for modern electronic communication systems. The earlier part of the module centres on analogue electronics (using simulation tools, vector network analysers), and the later part of the module focuses on digital communications (using the National Instruments USRP kit).

Research

Research Interests:

Research Interests:

Development of Terahertz Metrology for Life-Sciences

  • Time-domain spectrometric (TDS) determination of derived physical constants for standardising disparate TDS measurement configurations after the same fashion EIRP plays in antenna metrology.
  • THz-TDS study of amyloid oligomers and the partially folded intermediates that precede their formation
  • THz-TDS & VNA-Quasi Optical circuit control applied to crystal engineering in EPSRC's Dial-a-Molecule Grand Challenge.
     

Metrology of Antenna and Quasioptical Feed Systems

  • Design and experimental verification of multi-mirror compact antenna ranges.
  • Design and experimental study of quasioptical filters (FSSs) constructed from sub-millimetre wavelength periodic structures.
  • Spatial Spectrum Analysis for measurement of beam aberration by FSSs and experimental support of Group-developed electromagnetic-modelling codes
  • Development of software based on beam-optics for integrated design and analysis of quasioptical networks

Metrology of Dielectric Materials

  • Quasioptical network-based measurement of magneto-optical constants of hexa-ferrites at GHz - THz energies
  • Dispersive Fourier Transform Spectroscopy of dielectric materials for antenna applications

Publications

  • KREOUZIS T, ANDY AS, KNELLER JWE et al. (2018). Estimation of dark and active dielectric constants in the sub-THz frequency domain of an optically tunable organic semiconductor blend of poly(3-hexylthiophene) and phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester. nameOfConference
  • YU C, YANG B, ABRAHAMS I et al. (2018). SrFe12O19 based ceramics with ultra-low dielectric loss in the millimetre-wave band. nameOfConference
  • Lopez-Tremoleda J, Alvarez K, ADEN A et al. (2017). Heart-rate sensitive optical coherence angiography for measuring vascular changes due to posttraumatic brain injury in mice. nameOfConference
  • Li X, Liu X, Ronald K et al. (2017). Investigation of Frequency-Selective Surfaces for a THz Gyromultiplier Output System. nameOfConference
  • Zeng Y, Donnan R, Edwards M et al. (2017). Quality-control of UV offset lithographicaly printed electronic-ink by THz technology. nameOfConference
  • Andy AS, Kneller JWE, Sushko O et al. (2017). Dynamic organic lens using photosensitive semiconductor (P3HT:PCBM) for millimetre-wave applications. International Conference on Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves, IRMMW-THz 2017
  • Dickie R, Christie S, Cahill R et al. (2017). Low-Pass FSS for 50-230 GHz Quasi-Optical Demultiplexing for the MetOp Second-Generation Microwave Sounder Instrument. nameOfConference
  • DONNAN RS, Pigeon M, Sushko O et al. (2017). From Simulations to Measurements: Prototyping an Antenna for Non-Linear Applications at Sub-THz Frequencies. nameOfConference
  • Yu C, Zeng Y, Yang B et al. (2017). Titanium Dioxide Engineered for Near-dispersionless High Terahertz Permittivity and Ultra-low-loss.. nameOfConference
  • Qui J, Zeng Y, Pickersgill R et al. (2017). Introducing quasi-optical terahertz circular dichroism spectroscopy. nameOfConference
  • Dubrovka R, Sushko O, Pigeon M et al. (2017). Measurements of non-linear sub-THz quasi-optical devices. nameOfConference
  • Zeng Y, Edwards M, Stevens R et al. (2017). Terahertz characterisation of UV offset lithographically printed electronic-ink. nameOfConference
  • DONNAN RS, Sushko O, Dubrovka R et al. (2017). Comparative Study of Sub-THz FSS Filters Fabricated by Inkjet Printing, Microprecision Material Printing, and Photolithography. nameOfConference
  • ANDY A, James William Ewart Kneller, Rostyslav Dubrovka et al. (2017). Antenna Array Control via Integrated Optically-Activated Organic Semiconductor for S-Band Applications. European Microwave Conference (EuMC)
  • Pigeon M, Sushko O, Donnan R et al. (2017). Higher harmonic generation: Coupling two radiating elements at two different frequencies. nameOfConference
  • Alizadeh P, Sushko O, Andy AS et al. (2017). Active quasi-optics for high-power THz science. nameOfConference
  • Andy AS, Alizadeh P, Sushko O et al. (2017). Characterisation of a quasi-optical transmissometer for precise measurement of a Sub-THz multenna. nameOfConference
  • Sushko O, Pigeon M, Kreouzis T et al. (2016). Investigation of frequency-tripling performance of Schottky diode based multennas to 0.3 THz. 2016 41st International Conference on Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz waves (IRMMW-THz)
  • Pigeon M, Donnan R, Kreouzis T et al. (2016). Improving harmonics' generation by zeroing-stubs in a slot-ring antenna. 2016 10th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation, EuCAP 2016
  • Sushko O, Pigeon M, Kreouzis T et al. (2016). Low-cost inkjet-printed FSS band-pass filters for 100 and 300 GHz. 2016 10th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation, EuCAP 2016
  • ANDY A, Alizadeh P, Rajab KZ et al. (2016). An Optically-Switched Frequency Reconfigurable Antenna for Cognitive Radio Applications. 10th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP)
  • DONNAN RS, Tomlins PH, Rahman MW (2016). Dynamic measurement of local displacements within curing resin based dental composite using optical coherence elastography. nameOfConference
  • Xiong Z, Weng Z, Huang J et al. (2016). Preparation and Properties of MCT Ceramics for RF and THz Applications. nameOfConference
  • Zeng Y, Andy AS, Kreouzis T et al. (2015). Beam profile measurement of THz pulses in a TDS system. nameOfConference
  • Andy AS, Sushko O, Kreouzis T et al. (2015). Optically-tunable organic semiconductor heterojunction P3HT-PCBM for millimeter-wave applications. nameOfConference
  • Sushko O, Qiu J, Dubrovka R et al. (2015). Sub-terahertz spectroscopy as a probe for protein stability in an ionic environment. nameOfConference
  • Tian KV, Yang B, Yue Y et al. (2015). Atomic and vibrational origins of mechanical toughness in bioactive cement during setting.. nameOfConference
  • Pigeon M, Donnan R, Dubrovka R et al. (2015). Planar quasi-optic THz source: The multenna. nameOfConference
  • Pigeon M, Donnan R, Kreouzis T et al. (2015). Accelerating frequency selective surface simulations: An Equivalent Circuit Method versus computational electromagnetics software - Limits and further developments. nameOfConference
  • Andy A, Dubrovka R, Kreouzis T et al. (2015). An optically controlled phase shifter for antenna array beam steering. nameOfConference
  • Sushko O, Dubrovka R, Donnan RS (2015). Erratum: "Sub-terahertz spectroscopy reveals that proteins influence the properties of water at greater distances than previously detected" [J. Chem. Phys. 142, 055101 (2015)].. nameOfConference
  • Sushko O, Dubrovka R, Donnan RS (2015). Sub-terahertz spectroscopy reveals that proteins influence the properties of water at greater distances than previously detected.. nameOfConference
  • Qiu J, Yang B, Sushko O et al. (2015). Comparing Terahertz transmission response on pH-dependent apomyoglobin proteins dynamics with circular dichroism. nameOfConference
  • Huang JB, Yang B, Yu CY et al. (2015). Microwave and terahertz dielectric properties of MgTiO3-CaTiO3ceramics. nameOfConference
  • Zeng Y, Kreouzis T, Chen X et al. (2015). Terahertz photoconductive antenna arrays - Analysis and optimization. nameOfConference
  • Donnan R, Tian KV, Yang B et al. (2015). The power of VNA-driven quasi-optics to sense group molecular action in condensed phase systems. nameOfConference
  • Wang Y, Yang B, Tian Y et al. (2014). Micromachined thick mesh filters for millimeter-wave and terahertz applications. nameOfConference
  • Tang J, Yang B, Llewellyn I et al. (2014). Bacillus spores and their relevant chemicals studied by terahertz time domain spectroscopy. nameOfConference
  • Zeng Y, Kreouzis T, Chen X et al. (2014). Efficiency and spectrum evaluation of terahertz photoconductive antenna array based on GaAs substrates. nameOfConference
  • Sushko O, Dubrovka R, Donnan RS (2013). Terahertz spectral domain computational analysis of hydration shell of proteins with increasingly complex tertiary structure.. nameOfConference
  • Sun W, Yang B, Wang X et al. (2013). Accurate determination of terahertz optical constants by vector network analyzer of Fabry-Perot response.. nameOfConference
  • Sushko, O, Dubrovka R, Donnan RS (2013). Terahertz Spectral Domain Computational Analysis of Hydration Shell of Proteins with Increasingly Complex Tertiary Structure. nameOfConference
  • Sushko O, Dubrovka R, Donnan RS (2013). Interpretation of THz absorption spectra of dissolved proteins using molecular dynamics simulations. nameOfConference
  • Ilyashenko G, Al-Safadi R, Donnan R et al. (2013). A synthesis of a 1,1′-desymmetrised ferrocene backbone and its facile one-pot double-"click" functionalisation. nameOfConference
  • DONNAN RS, Pickersgill R, Krauss N et al. (2013). Lagrangian dynamics analysis of sub-THz skeletal absorption spectra of amino acids acquired by vector network analysis. nameOfConference
  • Sushko O, Dubrovka R, Donnan RS (2013). Analysis of optical thickness determination of materials by THz-TDS. nameOfConference
  • McIntosh A, Yang B, Goldup S et al. (2013). Crystallization of Amorphous Lactose at High Humidity Studied by Terahertz Time Domain Spectroscopy. nameOfConference
  • Dubrovka RF, Sushko OY, Loftus TM et al. (2013). Recent advances in terahertz science at Queen Mary University of London. nameOfConference
  • Sushko A, Shala K, Dubrovka R et al. (2013). Revised metrology for enhanced accuracy in complex optical constant determination by THz-time-domain spectrometry. nameOfConference
  • McIntosh AI, Yang B, Goldup SM et al. (2012). Erratum: Terahertz spectroscopy: A powerful new tool for the chemical sciences? (Chemical Society Reviews (2012) 41 (2072-2082) DOI: 10.1039/c1cs15277g). nameOfConference
  • Sushko O, Dubrovka R, Donnan RS (2012). Interpretive modeling of THz response of biomolecules as filter circuits. nameOfConference
  • Yang B, McIntosh AI, Goldup SM et al. (2012). Investigation of n-octadecane's crystallization by quasi-optical transmissometer. nameOfConference
  • McIntosh AI, Yang B, Goldup SM et al. (2012). Terahertz spectroscopy: a powerful new tool for the chemical sciences?. nameOfConference
  • Sushko O, Donnan R, Dubrovka R et al. (2012). Possibilities and challenges of material parameter extraction by THz time domain spectroscopy. Antenna Theory and Techniques (ICATT), 2011 VIII International Conference on
  • Su H, Yang B, Liu X et al. (2012). Optically Controlled Frequency Selective Surface for Millimeter-wave Applications. nameOfConference
  • Donnan R, Dubrovka R (2011). Biochemical observational science at THz energies. nameOfConference
  • Liu X, Chen HJ, Yang B et al. (2011). Experimental characterization of gold nanoparticle suspensions at W band using a quasi-optical bench. nameOfConference
  • Liu X, Mai Y, Su H et al. (2011). Design of tri-reflector Compact Antenna Test Range for millimetre/sub- millimetre wave and THz antenna measurement. nameOfConference
  • DUBROVKA R, Donnan R (2011). Equivalent circuit of FSS loaded with lumped elements using modal decomposition equivalent circuit method. 5th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EUCAP)
  • Yang B, Donnan RS, Dubrovka R et al. (2011). Negative permeability characterization of gyrotropic hexaferrite in the millimeter wave band for engineering of double-negative devices. nameOfConference
  • DONNAN R, Yang B (2011). Enhanced rapid and accurate sub-THz magneto-optical characterization of hexaferrite ceramics. nameOfConference
  • DONNAN RS, Yang B, Su H et al. (2011). Complex Permittivity of Pure Water Measured by Vector Network Analysis at W-Band. nameOfConference
  • DONNAN RS, Yang B, Dubrovka R et al. (2011). Negative Permeability Characterization of Gyrotropic Hexaferrite in the Millimeter Wave Band for Engineering of Double-Negative Devices. nameOfConference
  • DONNAN RS, Yang B, Zhou M et al. (2011). Reassessment of the Electromagnetic Reflection-Response of Human Skin at W-band. nameOfConference
  • DONNAN R, Yang B, Su H (2011). Vector network analysis of dielectric and magnetic material in the millimetre wave band. nameOfConference
  • Parini C, Donnan R (2010). Observational science at millimetre wavelengths: Imaging, imagining and exciting!. nameOfConference
  • Shala K, Yang B, TT T et al. (2010). Millimeter wave spectroscopy of glucose and a calcium-binding protein using a vector network analyser. 35th IRMMW-THZ Internation Conference, 2010
  • Yu J, Liu S, Xu L et al. (2010). An integrated quasi-optical analysis method and its experimental verification. nameOfConference
  • Yang B, Wang X, Zhang Y et al. (2010). Experimental Characterization of Hexaferrite Ceramics from 100 GHz to 1THz Using Vector Network Analysis and THz-Time Domain Spectroscopy. nameOfConference
  • Su HS, Liu XM, Li DH et al. (2010). Study of Optically Controlled Active Frequency Selective Surfaces with Organic Semiconductor. nameOfConference
  • Yang B, Wylde RJ, Martin DH et al. (2010). The determination of the gyrotropic characteristics of hexaferrite ceramics from 75 to 600 GHz using an ultra-wideband vector-network-analyser. nameOfConference
  • Shala K, Yang B, Dudley R et al. (2009). Quantification of glucose and cytosine hydrochloride by THz-TDS. Proceedings of 2nd UK/EU – China Workshop on Millimetre Wave and Terahertz Technology
  • Yu J, Liu S, Wei Q et al. (2009). A 3D design software for Quasi-optical systems based on integrated methods. nameOfConference
  • Zhang R, Yang B, Zhang Y et al. (2009). Determination of magneto-optical characteristics of hexaferrites from 200 GHz to 1THz using time domain spectroscopy. nameOfConference
  • Yu JS, Liu SH, Xu L et al. (2008). Design and Measurement of Dichroic Plate for Quasi-Optical Network. nameOfConference
  • Yang B, Martin DH, Donnan RS et al. (2008). Quasi-optical Measurements of Magnetic Materials at Frequencies up to 630 GHz. nameOfConference
  • Tang HY, Donnan RS, Kreouzis T (2007). An optically controlled phase shifter employing the organic semiconductor poly(3-hexylthiophene). nameOfConference
  • DONNAN RS, Yamsiri A (2007). Spatial Spectrum Analysis for Measurement of Beam Aberration by FSSs. The Second European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP 2007), 11-16 November 2007, EICC, Edinburgh, UK
  • Foster PR, Ade PAR, Donnan R et al. (2007). Validation of design techniques on a quasi-optics test bench. nameOfConference
  • Donnan RS, Martin DH, Wylde RJ et al. (2007). Assessment of magnetic materials for use in quasi-optical non-reciprocal devices operating at frequencies above 90 GHz. nameOfConference
  • DONNAN RS, Yang B, Wylde RJ et al. (2006). Measurement of Dielectric Tensor and Magnetic Resonance Frequency of Magnetically Hard Thin Plate Gyrotropic Material. The Joint 31st International Conference on Infrared and Millimetre Waves and 14th International Conference on Terahertz Electronics (IRMMW-THz2006), September 18-22, 2006, Shanghai, China
  • Parini CG, DONNAN RS, Yang B et al. (2006). "The Characteristics of Millimetre-wave Gyrotropic Magnetic Material for Use in Quasi-optical Non-reciprocal Devices”. Progress in Electromagnetics Research Symposium (PIERS), March 26-29,2006, in Cambridge, USA
  • Parini CG, DONNAN RS, Yang B et al. (2006). Quasi-Optical Millimetre-Wave Measurements on Magneto-Optical Constants of Gyrotropic Magnetic Thin Plate Material. 4th European Space Agency (ESA) Workshop on Millimetre Wave Technology and Applications, February 15-17, Espoo, Finland
  • PARINI CG, Donnan RS, Rieckmann C et al. (2006). Tri-reflector CATR Antenna Pattern Verification of the MARSCHALS Airborne Millimetre-Wave Limb-Sounder at 300, 325 and 345 GHz [accepted for oral presentation]. Proceedings of the 4th ESA Workshop on Millimetre Wave Technology and Applications, February 15-17, 2006, Espoo, Finland
  • Tang HY, Donnan R, Parini C (2006). Analogue phase shifter based on stacked CBCPW. nameOfConference
  • PARINI CG, DONNAN RS, TANG H (2006). Calculation Methodology and Sensitivity Analysis of Magneto-optical Constants of Gyromagnetic Material. nameOfConference
  • PARINI CG, DONNAN RS, TANG H (2006). Zero inter-modulation product analogue phase-shifter employing fluid-filled connected micro-cavities. nameOfConference
  • Hongyan T, Donnan R, Parini C (2005). A novel phase shifter based patch antenna integrated electrostatic peristaltic micropumps. nameOfConference
  • PARINI CG, Donnan R, Tang H (2005). Phase Shifting with Coplanar Transmission Line Integrated Electrostatic Peristaltic Micropumps. Proceedings fo the European Radar Conference EURAD 2005
  • PARINI CG, Donnan R, Tang H (2005). Feed Gap Influence for Printed Nultiple Ring Fractal Antennas. Proceedings of the IEEE Inernational Symposium Microwave, Antenna Propagation and EMC Technologies for Wireless Comms (MAPE2005)
  • Parini CG, Donnan RS, RIECKMANN C et al. (2005). Experimental validation of the design performance for a spherical main mirror triflector CATR operating at 90GHz. 28th ESA Antenna Workshop on Space Antenna Systems and Technologies
  • Parini CG, DONNAN RS, Rieckmann C et al. (2005). Experimental Verification of a Rapid and Accurate Analysis Tool for Electrically Large Quasi-Optical Systems. Proceedings of the 28th ESA Antenna Workshop on Space Antenna Systems and Technologies,31 May - 3 June 2005
  • Parini CG, DONNAN RS, Tang H (2005). An Improved Design of Printed Multiple Ring Fractal Antennas. Postgraduate Research Conference in Electronics, Photonics, Communications & Networks and Computing Science, PREP2005, Lancaster, UK, March 30 - April 1, 2005
  • Tang H, Donnan R, Parini C (2005). Phase shifting with coplanar transmission line integrated electrostatic peristaltic micropumps. nameOfConference
  • Tang HY, Donnan R, Parini C (2005). Printed multiple ring fractal antennas. nameOfConference
  • DONNAN RS, Dupuy J, McNiff J et al. (2004). Measurements on a quasi-optical test bench. nameOfConference
  • Parini CG, DONNAN RS, Tang H (2004). A Novel Micro-Strip Phased-Array Based Semi-Smart Antenna. London Communication Symposium, LCS2004, London, UK September 13-14, 2004
  • Parini CG, DONNAN RS, Tang H (2004). The Application of Semi-Smart Antenna Technology: A Novel Microstrip Phased Array with Widebad Element. PIERS, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China, 28-31 August 2004
  • DONNAN RS, Martin DH, Foster PF (2004). Analysis of the performance of planar optical components in quasi-optical feed sytems. 5th IEE International Conference on Computation in Electromagnetics [CEM 2004], Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
  • Parini CG, Rayner MR, DONNAN RS et al. (2003). Gaussian-Beam Phase-Space-Array Analysis of a Multi-Reflector Compact Antenna Range. 12th International Conference on Antennas and Propagation, ICAP 2003, Conference Publication no. 491, Volume 1, pp. 84-86, 31st -3rd April 2003, University of Exter
  • PARINI CG, Rayner MR, Donnan R et al. (2003). A Novel Modular-Based Application of Diffracted Gaussian Beams for Analysing Quasi-Optical Multi-Reflector Antenna Systems. ICAP2003, University of Exeter, 31 March - 2 April 2003
  • DONNAN RS, Rayner MR, Martin DH et al. (2003). Aberration-free quasi-optical systems. IEE Conference proceedings: Twelfth International Conference on Antennas & Propagation, University of Exeter
  • Parini CG, Rayner MR, DONNAN RS et al. (2002). Diffracted Gaussian Beam Anaalysis: A Modular Approach to the Analysis of Quasi-Optical Multi-Reflector Systems. International Union of Radio Science 27th General Assembly, Maasttricht.
  • Parini CG, Donnan RS, RIECKMANN C et al. (2002). Novel modular approach based on Gaussian beam diffraction for analysing quasi-optical multi-reflector antennas. nameOfConference
  • DONNAN RS, Rayner MR, Martin DS et al. (2002). Controlling Aberrations in the Design of Quasi-Optical Feed Systems for Millimetre-Wave Radiometry in Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere, Earth and Space. International Union of Radio Science 27th General Assembly, Maastricht
  • DONNAN RS, Vickers REM, Samandi M (2001). Application of FTIR-Reflectance Spectroscopy to Estimate the Temperature-Dependent Dielectric Loss of Engineering Ceramics. Proc. 2nd World Congress on Microwave and RF Processing, Ceramic Transactions, 2001
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