Abstract

For my father Carlton who did not have the opportunity to pursue tertiary education and his passion for electronics. iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I thank Dr. Todor Cooklev who gave me the opportunity to pursue research with him in precisely the area of my interest. I also thank Dr. Cooklev for having and inspiring confidence in me to conduct meaningful research and for guiding me through the process of understanding and discovery along the way. It has been a remarkable learning experience for me. I secondly extend sincere thanks to the other members of my graduate committee; Dr. Carlos Pomalaza-Ráez and Dr. Elizabeth Thompson for their patience, understanding and for supporting me in achieving this milestone of Thesis completion and graduation. I have great gratitude for Thesis format Director, Barbara Lloyd who made herself so available at all times to assist me. I also thank my very close friends Jim and Sharla Bryant who have provided tremendous support for me and encouragement. They have supplied me with great guidance throughout my academic career even being very instrumental in my decision to pursue graduate studies when I did. Of course and by

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