Microwave Position Sensor with Sub-Millimetre Resolution

Initiated by an inquiry made by a local steel company, the problem of very accurately measuring distance will be investigated. Preliminary studies carried out in our laboratory have confirmed, that a microwave sensor is capable of measuring the position of a surface (which can, for example, be the mould level or any other surface with dielectric behaviour) with an accuracy sufficient for meeting the specified requirements to a large extent. The objective of this research proposal is to design a prototype measuring system with sub-millimetre resolution that is usable in rough industrial environments. Topics of the project are: * Classification of all presently known measuring techniques * Development of a prototype sensor system for certain specified industrial applications * Development of measurement algorithms, error correction procedures, and calibration routines. The research work will concentrate on microwave engineering and the scientific evaluation of the installed system.