Micah Stickel

Bio: Micah Stickel is an academic researcher from University of Toronto. The author has contributed to research in topics: Resonator & Metamaterial. The author has an hindex of 10, co-authored 15 publications receiving 176 citations.

High-Q bulk micromachined silicon cavity resonator at Ka-band

Abstract: A novel bulk silicon micromachining technique for fabricating millimetre-wave waveguide components is presented. This technique enables the formation of deep three-dimensional stacked structures of almost constant cross-section as well as post wafer-bonding metallisation that reduces the effects of air gaps and contact resistances. With these innovations it is possible to realise high-Q devices with low-cost fabrication. Simulated and measured results for a 30 GHz silicon cavity resonator are presented.

A millimeter-wave bandpass waveguide filter using a width-stacked silicon bulk micromachining approach

Abstract: A 30-GHz bandpass filter is realized in a novel waveguide topology, through the use of bulk micromachining of standard (low-resistivity) silicon wafers. In this new design, the width of the rectangular waveguide structure is created through the stacking of etched silicon wafer pieces. This width-stacking approach eliminates the presence of convex corners in the design, resulting in more controllable etching. Also, this design enables the simple implementation of the split-block technique, which alleviates Ohmic contact resistance issues. This latter aspect, combined with a double-sided etching strategy that enables deep cavities to be formed, leads to very high-Q silicon micromachined resonators (Q/sub 0//spl ap/4500). A three-cavity bandpass filter was fabricated and tested leading to a deembedded insertion loss of 1dB at a center frequency of 29.7GHz, with a 3-dB bandwidth of 0.654GHz (2.2%). These results validate this new micromachined waveguide approach, and demonstrates a significant improvement over other millimeter-wave micromachined waveguide filters.

Volumetric negative-refractive-index metamaterials based upon the shunt-node transmission-line configuration

Abstract: A volumetric negative-refractive-index transmission-line (NRI-TL) metamaterial is presented. This structure constitutes a natural extension of the planar NRI-TL metamaterials1 and maintains the desired features of broad bandwidth and low transmission loss. Unlike their planar counterparts, the proposed volumetric NRI-TL metamaterials can effectively couple incident plane waves from free space. The proposed topology can be readily made by stacking layers that are individually fabricated using standard multilayer printed-circuit board techniques at microwave frequencies. However, the creation of the volumetric structure results in the presence of a parasitic parallel-plate mode. This mode can interfere with the desired backward wave mode of the metamaterial, causing a stop band to appear. To facilitate the rapid analysis of this new design, a multiconductor transmission line model was developed. Through the use of this model and full-wave simulations, it will be demonstrated that this unwanted parallel-plat...

Impact of lecturing with the tablet PC on students of different learning styles

Abstract: Using the tablet PC as a lecturing device offers the instructor a new set of tools upon which their teaching can be based. Since the general student body consists of many different types of learning styles, these new tools can provide a means to reach a wider range of students than the traditional blackboard-based lectures. However, as a first step towards assessing the effectiveness of the tablet PC as a teaching tool, it is important to determine if it is well received by students of all learning styles. It is the purpose of this paper to report on the impact of the tablet PC on the students in four different courses, which were given over a period of three semesters. This impact was measured through a survey which was completed by the students at the end of each term. Overall, the students in all courses (a total sample size of 280) were quite positive about the use of the tablet, with 56% of the students stating that “The technology of the tablet…greatly improves my learning experience.” It was found that there were no statistically significant differences in how the students of different learning styles responded to the use of the tablet PC. In fact, all learning style groups reacted quite positively to its introduction into the classroom. However, some results indicate that a large group of students have a preference towards a more active classroom. This shows that if the tablet PC is to be an effective means of teaching, its advantages must be leveraged to facilitate an active-learning environment.

Teaching Electromagnetism with the Inverted Classroom Approach: Student Perceptions and Lessons Learned

Abstract: Dr. Micah Stickel (ECE) is Chair, First Year, in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. He is also a Senior Lecturer in The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering. Dr. Stickel first came to the Faculty when he started as an undergraduate in 1993. Since that time, he has completed his BASc (1997), MASc (1999), and a PhD (2006) — all with a focus on electromagnetics and the development of novel devices for high-frequency wireless systems. He has a great interest in engineering education and the use of technology to advance the student learning experience. He has been honoured with three departmental teaching awards and was selected as a New Faculty Fellow at the 2008 Frontiers in Education Conference. In 2012, he was awarded the Early Career Teaching Award by the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering.

Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education: Faculty Inventory. Institutional Inventory.

Abstract: Arthur Chickering is Distinguished Professor of Higher Education at Memphis State University. On leave from the Directorship of the Center for the Study of Higher Education at Memphis State, he is Visiting Professor at George Mason University. Zelda Gamson is a sociologist who holds appointments at the John W. McCormack Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Massachusetts-Boston and in the Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education at the University of Michigan.

Contemporary notes on metamaterials

Abstract: The essence of the metamaterial concept from the structural point of view. Particular attention is paid to the macroscopic description of metamaterials and to the corresponding requirements and precautions for using that concept. General advantages of metamaterials are also pointed out. Next, the main research directions related to metamaterials are briefly overviewed and the key references are provided. Finally, the most probable sources of disagreement and misunderstanding within the field are summarised.

Waveguide and semiconductor packaging

Abstract: A method and apparatus for integrating individual III-V MMICs into a micromachined waveguide package is disclosed. MMICs are screened prior to integration, allowing only known-good die to be integrated, leading to increased yield. The method and apparatus are used to implement a micro-integrated Focal Plane Array (mFPA) technology used for sub millimeter wave (SMMW) cameras, although many other applications are possible. MMICs of different technologies may be integrated into the same micromachined package thus achieving the same level of technology integration as in multi-wafer WLP integration.

Ka-Band Gap Waveguide Coupled-Resonator Filter for Radio Link Diplexer Application

Abstract: Gap waveguide technology represents an interesting alternative as low-loss, cost-effective, and high-performance transmission line and package of microwave and millimeter-wave systems. A Ka-band coupled-resonator filter for a radio link diplexer, which requires high selectivity to isolate transmit and receiving channels, is proposed and realized using gap waveguide technology. The band-pass filter, which has a central frequency of 37.37 GHz and a pass bandwidth of 560 MHz, is fabricated between two parallel metal plates, leaving an air gap between them. After milling one of the plates, silver-plating is applied on them. Measurements show a minimum in-band insertion loss of 1 dB and agree quite well with simulations.