Low-loss Dielectric Material Research Articles

Precision multi-mode microwave spectroscopy of paramagnetic and rare-earth ion spin defects in single crystal calcium tungstate

We present experimental observations of dilute ion spin ensemble defects in a low-loss single crystal cylindrical sample of CaWO4 cooled to 30 mK in temperature. Crystal field perturbations were elucidated by constructing a dielectrically loaded microwave cavity resonator from the crystal. The resonator exhibited numerous whispering gallery modes with high Q-factors of up to 3×107, equivalent to a loss tangent of ∼3×10−8. The low loss allowed precision multi-mode spectroscopy of numerous high Q-factor photon–spin interactions. Measurements between 7 and 22 GHz revealed the presence of Gd3+, Fe3+, and another trace species, inferred to be rare-earth, at concentrations on the order of parts per billion. These findings motivate further exploration of prospective uses of this low-loss dielectric material for applications regarding precision and quantum metrology, as well as tests for beyond standard model physics.

Machine learning-based technique for directivity prediction of a compact and highly efficient 4-port MIMO antenna for 5G millimeter wave applications

Miniaturized Millimeter Wave (mm-wave) MIMO antenna arrays with an observed 10-dB impedance broad bandwidth of 3.7 GHz (25.785–29.485) are the focus of this study's design and analysis for a 5G application. Rogers RT/duroid 5880, a low-loss dielectric material, is utilized in the antenna's fabrication. For MIMO antenna design down to the lowest frequency, the substrate and ground must have dimensions of 3.3λ0 × 3.3λ0. Besides compact, the suggested design has a supreme gain of 8.9 dB, isolation greater than 29.24, and a maximum efficiency rating of 98.4 %. A Diversity Gain (DG) has a value that is greater than 9.99, whereas an Envelope Correlation Coefficient ECC) has a value that is less than 0.00005. The effectiveness of machine learning (ML) models can be estimated using a variety of different metrics, including the variance score, R square, mean square error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and root mean square error (RMSE). Out of the five ML models, the one that has the greatest accuracy and has a low margin of error when predicting directivity is the Random Forest Regression model. In conclusion, the data from the CST and ADS modeling as well as the actual and expected outcomes from machine learning demonstrate that the recommended antenna is a potential candidate for use with 5G.

A novel high hardness and low loss Mg5Ga2Sn2O12 ceramic with spinel-structure

Inorganic oxides with a spinel structure play an indispensable role in various applications because of their stability and exceptional performance. This study prepared Mg5Ga2Sn2O12 ceramics using the solid-state method. TEM analysis reveals that the ceramics show local lattice distortions. When the sintering temperature is 1480 °C, the relative density and Vickers hardness of Mg5Ga2Sn2O12 ceramics are 96.8 % and 12.58 GPa, respectively. The Mg5Ga2Sn2O12 ceramics exhibit optimum microwave dielectric properties, with εr = 8.57, Q × f = 138,769 GHz, and τf = −24.7 ppm/°C. Far-infrared fitting shows that the vibration mode in the low-wave number region has a significant influence on the dielectric properties of ceramics. The P–V−L theory indicates that the Sn–O bond has the most significant influence on εr and Q × f. Given these advantages, Mg5Ga2Sn2O12 ceramics hold promise for applications in low-loss dielectric materials.

A flow through coaxial cell to investigate high frequency broadband complex permittivity: Design, calibration and validation

This paper presents a new apparatus: a large flow through coaxial cell designed for broadband dielectric characterization of material under controlled hydraulic and chemical boundaries. The cell is calibrated with a single measurement made on a perfectly known dielectric liquid (deionized water) together with an optimization procedure. Then, two methods are proposed to compute the dielectric characteristics: an iterative solver and an optimization method. These two methods are systematically investigated for two reference liquids: a low loss dielectric material (ethylene glycol) and high loss dielectric liquid (saline solutions with different concentration). Tabulated data were used to perform a quantitative error analysis in terms of estimated complex permittivity. The results have shown high performance in terms of real part and good performance in terms of real part. The measurements on saline solution also highlight the impact of electrode polarization with dramatic effect in the lower part of the frequency range.

Crystal structure and dielectric properties of Ln2Ti2SiO9 (Ln = Pr and Nd)

Low loss and high dielectric constant materials are essentially desired for wide varieties of applications in electronics and communication technology. Herein the structure and dielectric properties of two titanosilicates, Ln2Ti2SiO9, for Ln = Pr3+ and Nd3+ are reported. Both materials are isostructural and have layered structure with layers of [LnTi2SiO9]3- and Ln3+ ions. Electrical properties of both have been analyzed by using the temperature and frequency dependent permittivity, loss, conductivity and modulus data. At room temperature, appreciable relative permittivity (35 for Nd2Ti2SiO9 and 22 for Pr2Ti2SiO9 over the frequency range of 100 Hz to 5 MHz) and low dielectric loss (like 0.007–0.03 at 100 Hz and 10−4-10−3 at 1 MHz). Analysis of dc-conductivity data of both compounds indicate that the conduction in both materials is due to the correlated barrier hopping (CBH) of polarons. The relaxation peak of modulus spectra indicates more non-Debye like relaxation in Pr2Ti2SiO9 than that in Nd2Ti2SiO9, and that is possibly due to increased correlation in the dynamics of hopping polarons in Pr2Ti2SiO9.

Extension of the method of images in electromagnetism at an interface between two lossless dielectric media

The method of images is well-known in electrostatics and electromagnetic radiation problems, like currents on a metallic ground plane to replace the original problem. This paper extends the method of images to the case of a dipole antenna on a dielectric ground plane, like concrete, considering that from 1 GHz to 40 GHz is a low-loss dielectric material. The contribution of this work is the model that expresses the electric and magnetic fields through the method of imaging for a dipole on a dielectric ground plane, for vertical and horizontal polarization. These results can be applied to propagation models to the mobile communications like 5G and 6G technologies. The wave impedance of the electromagnetic wave obtained has been discussed. This work allows replacing the treatment of Sommerferld's of a dipole antenna on a dielectric ground with losses with the extension of the image method.

A New Technique for Broadband Matching of Open-Ended Rectangular Waveguide Radiator.

The maximum reflection at an open end of a standard rectangular waveguide is about -10 dB in its operating frequency range. It is often used without matching. For critical applications, it is desirable to further reduce the reflection coefficient. In this paper, a new technique is presented for the broadband impedance matching of an open-ended rectangular waveguide. The proposed technique employs three thin capacitive matching elements placed at proper intervals via a low-loss dielectric material. The capacitance of, and distance between, the matching elements are optimized for broadband impedance matching using a simulation tool. Based on the proposed technique, two design examples are presented for the matching of a WR75 waveguide radiator. A reflection coefficient of less than -16 dB and -20 dB has been achieved over a ratio bandwidth of 2.13:1 and 1.62:1, respectively.

Polyimide films with ultralow dielectric loss for 5G applications: Influence and mechanism of ester groups in molecular chains

Polyimides are ideal candidates for 5G high-frequency communications due to their good thermal stability, mechanical properties and processability. However, the exploration of how to reduce their high-frequency dissipation factor (Df) remains an urgent and alluring challenge. Inspired by the molecular structure of liquid crystal polyester, which is insensitive to high-frequency electric fields, here we design two series of polyimides derived from diamines with multiple ester groups (AXEB, X = 1, 2 or 3) and 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) or p-phenylene bis (trimellitate anhydride) (TA2EB). We investigated the effects of ester number on the aggregation structure, water absorption, dielectric properties, heat resistance and mechanical properties of the polyimides and find that the Df of the multiple ester-containing polyimides decreases rapidly with increasing frequency and number of ester groups. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction analysis, polarized optical microscopy observations and molecular dynamics simulations show that the unique properties of these polyimides benefit from the tight packing of the molecular chain and the strong intermolecular interaction force caused by the ester group, as well as the resulting prolonged dipole relaxation time and the greatly reduced water absorption. Therefore, the polyimide films show extremely low Df values of 0.0030 for AXEB-6FDA and 0.0013 for AXEB-TA2EB. Furthermore, AXEB-TA2EB also shows excellent thermal stability, mechanical properties, electrical properties and permittivity. More importantly, their ultralow moisture rate (<0.83 %) ensures that the high-frequency Df remains stable in different humid environments, even after soaking in water. This method can also be extended to other polymers, thus providing a new strategy for the design of low dielectric loss materials.

Monitoring snow water equivalent using the phase of RFID signals

Abstract. The amount of water contained in a snowpack, known as snow water equivalent (SWE), is used to anticipate the amount of snowmelt that could supply hydroelectric power plants, fill water reservoirs, or sometimes cause flooding. This work introduces a wireless, non-destructive method for monitoring the SWE of a dry snowpack. The system is based on an array of low-cost passive radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags, placed under the snow and read at 865–868 MHz by a reader located above the snow. The SWE was deduced from the phase delay of the tag's backscattered response, which increases with the amount of snow traversed by the radiofrequency wave. Measurements taken in the laboratory, during snowfall events and over 4.5 months at the Col de Porte test field, were consistent with reference measurements of cosmic rays, precipitation and snow pits. SWE accuracy was ±18 kg m−2 throughout the season (averaged over three tags) and ±3 kg m−2 during dry snowfall events (averaged over data from two antennas and four or five tags). The overall uncertainty compared to snow weighing was ±10 % for snow density in the range 61–390 kg m−3. The main limitations observed were measurement bias caused by wet snow (biased data were discarded) and the need for phase unwrapping. The method has a number of advantages: it allows for continuous measurement (1 min sampling rate in dry snow), it can provide complementary measurement of tag temperature, it does not require the reception of external data, and it opens the way towards spatialized measurements. The results presented also demonstrate that RFID propagation-based sensing can remotely monitor the permittivity of a low-loss dielectric material with scientific-level accuracy.

Defect-related broadband dielectric loss mechanisms of Na1/2Sm1/2Ti1–z(Al1/2Nb1/2)zO3 ceramics

Dielectric ceramics with low dielectric loss in the microwave bands are key materials used in fifth/sixth-generation (5G/6G) telecommunication. Exploring the defect behavior and the broadband dielectric response of ceramics is helpful to understand the loss mechanism and develop novel low-loss microwave dielectric ceramics. In this work, Al/Nb was co-substituted for Ti4+ in Na1/2Sm1/2TiO3 (NST) ceramics with a perovskite structure, and the low frequency, microwave and terahertz (THz) dielectric responses were investigated. In different frequency bands, the variations of dielectric loss with substitution amount are inconsistent. The Al/Nb-substitution increases the dielectric loss in the low frequency and microwave bands, while the dielectric loss in the THz band decreases. The changes in dielectric loss are closely related to the lattice defects in Na1/2Sm1/2Ti1–z(Al1/2Nb1/2)zO3 (NST-zAN, 0 ≤ z ≤ 0.1) ceramics, which are studied by thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) technique. The dielectric relaxation of the defects including oxygen vacancies (VO··) and defect dipoles leads to the dielectric loss in the low-frequency and microwave bands. The dielectric loss in the THz band is mainly affected by the damping of lattice vibration, which is associate with the defect concentration. This work might provide a considerable reference for the development of low-loss dielectric materials.

A Novel Parallel-Plate Dielectric Resonator Method for Broadband Complex Permittivity Measurement in the Millimeter-Wave Bands

This article proposes a novel measurement method based on parallel-plate dielectric resonator (PPDR) for determining complex permittivity of low-loss dielectric materials over a wide frequency range. Two 1.0-mm coaxial probes are placed symmetrically as a coupling structure in the center of top and bottom of the PPDR, and only the TM <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_{\mathrm{0np}}$</tex-math> </inline-formula> resonant modes will be selectively excited. For each value of <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$p$</tex-math> </inline-formula> , the resonator will operate over a specific frequency range, within which there are usually multiple frequency points available for testing. Based on this unique feature, dielectric constants of cylindrical or disk-shaped samples can be measured from less than 20 up to 110 GHz by utilizing TM <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_{\mathrm{0np}}$</tex-math> </inline-formula> high-order modes. Rigorous analysis of the PPDR based on the electromagnetic field matching method is carried out and verified numerically. Moreover, the PPDR method is further validated experimentally by measuring several specimens processed from well-known materials, the main sources of measurement uncertainty are also analyzed in detail, and some recommendations are made accordingly. The results show that the PPDR method can perform high-accuracy measurement of complex permittivity in the millimeter-wave bands, even when the sample thickness exceeds the maximum value limited by the current state of the art.

Synthesis and characterization of phase pure and Mg-modified AgZnVO4 microwave dielectrics for high-frequency ULTCC applications

A novel low-loss and ultra-low temperature sinterable microwave dielectric material, AgZnVO4, was systematically investigated for the first time. The material exhibited a monoclinic structure with a space group P21/n, obtained by conventional solid-state processing. The material also showed combined microwave dielectric properties of εr = 10.3, Q×f = 42,000 GHz, and τf = –9.2 ppm/°C for specimens sintered at 540 °C. The partial substitution of Mg for Zn in the Ag(Zn1−xMgx)VO4 ceramics effectively improved the densification and reduced the dielectric loss of the ceramics. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed a single solid solution phase of Ag(Zn1−xMgx)VO4. The relative density, dielectric polarizability, packing fraction, lattice energy, and bond valence of the samples were calculated. An excellent combination of the microwave dielectric properties was obtained for Ag(Zn0.97Mg0.03)VO4 ceramic sintered at 540 °C: εr = 10.6, Q×f = 52,000 GHz, and τf = –10 ppm/°C. Additionally, the ceramic exhibited good chemical compatibility with aluminum electrodes, indicating great potential for ultra-low temperature co-fired ceramics (ULTCC) applications, particularly in the microwave and millimeter wave regions.

A Π-shaped slotted patch antenna with a partial ground structure for lower 5G/WiFi/WiMAX applications

In this research work, a π-shaped slotted microstrip patch antenna (MPA) with a partial ground structure for lower fifth generation (5G)/wireless fidelity (WiFi)/worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) applications is presented. The proposed MPA is optimized and designed by using the computer simulation technology (CST) microwave studio (MWS) suite version of 2018. The π-shaped slotted MPA is mounted on low loss dielectric material Rogers RT5880 with a height of 0.79 mm and relative permittivity of 2.2. The length (L) and the width (W) of the π-slotted antenna are 35 mm and 31 mm respectively, which covers the operating frequency range 2.87–5.47 GHz. The MPA has a wide impedance bandwidth (2600 MHz), high radiation efficiency (90.88%), acceptable gain (2.647 dB) and low return loss (simulated: -36.81, measured: -25 dB). The VSWR over the entire operating frequency is regarded as 1 < voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) < 2 and VSWR is 1.0293 at centre frequency 3.47 GHz. The current distribution on the surface as well as the input impedance of the π-shaped slotted MPA are also favorable. The MPA shows an omni-directional property over the entire operating frequency band. Since the time domain, frequency domain and fabricated results are buttressed by each other, the designed π-slotted MPA is one of the best candidates for high speed lower 5G/WiFi/WiMAX communication applications.

Modulation of dielectric properties in low-loss polypropylene-based composites at GHz frequencies: theory and experiment

Polymer composites with high dielectric constant and low loss tangent are highly regarded as substrates for modern high-speed electronics. In this work, we analyze the high-frequency dielectric properties of two types of composites based on polypropylene infused with high-dielectric-constant microparticles. Two types of fillers are used: commercial ceramics or titanium oxide (TiO2) with different concentrations. The key observation is that adding the fillers causes an increase of dielectric constants by around 100% (for highest loading) up to 4.2 and 3.4, for micro-ceramics and TiO2 based composites, respectively. Interestingly, for the TiO2 composite, the loss tangent depends on the filler loading volume, whereas the other composite has a slightly increasing tendency, however, being at the level ~ 10–3. To explain the experimental results, a theoretical model determined by microwave reflection and transmission through a representative volume element is proposed, which allows the investigation of the impact of volume ratio, grain shape, aggregation, and size on the loss tangent and permittivity evolution. This approach could be used for modeling other low dielectric loss materials with inclusions.

Complex Permittivity Measurement of Low-Loss Anisotropic Dielectric Materials at Hundreds of Megahertz

Resonant methods are well known for their accuracy in determining the complex permittivity of materials. However, to guarantee the accuracy, interference modes must be suppressed in the measurement band. In this paper, a multi-mode split rectangular cavity is designed and fabricated to measure low-loss anisotropic dielectric materials in the frequency range from 300 to 1000 MHz. Details of the cavity design are presented. Simulation results for a uniaxially anisotropic material validate both the setup and the processing. Moreover, validation measurements on a sheet of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are in agreement with the literature data, which indicate that the proposed method in this paper is reliable and accurate for low-loss complex permittivity characterization at hundreds of megahertz.

Benzocyclobutene‐containing Carbosilane Monomers as a Route to Low‐κ Dielectric and Low Dielectric Loss Materials

AbstractA benzocyclobutene (BCB) monomer containing carbosilane (CS‐BCB) was successfully synthesized from 4‐vinyl benzocyclobutene (4‐VBCB) and 3,6‐bis(dimethylsilyl)benzocyclobutene (3,6‐D(DMHS)BCB) by hydrosilylation in the presence of Karstedt's catalyst. As an improvement to the conventional synthesis method, the carbosilane is obtained in only two steps. In addition, this method avoids the use of halogens and Grignard reagents, which are expensive and environmentally damaging. After ring‐opening polymerization, the resultant cured CS‐BCB resin shows excellent thermal and dielectric properties; specifically, the 5 % weight loss temperature (T5%) is 435 °C, the dielectric constant (Dk) is 2.36, and the dielectric loss (Df) is less than 10−3 at 10 MHz. Thus, this polymer has enormous potential as a high‐performance electronic interlayer material.

Electromagnetic Analysis of an Axially Periodic Disk-Loaded Slow-Wave Structure With Low-Loss Dielectric Filling Between Disks for a Magnetically Insulated Line Oscillator

The partially dielectrically filled periodic disk-loaded co-axial structure as a slow wave interaction structure for magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator (MILO) has been electromagnetically analyzed using field matching technique. The slow wave structure (SWS) includes a periodic disk-loaded coaxial structure in which the low-loss dielectric material is partially filled between successive disks. In the analysis, the dispersion relationship and interaction impedance have been calculated taking into account all the harmonics generated inside the structure. The effect of the dielectric constant of the material on the dispersion characteristics and phase velocity has been investigated. Also, the effect of different structural parameters on the dispersion characteristics and the interaction impedance has been obtained. To validate the performed theoretical analysis, the analytically obtained dispersion results have been compared with previously known dispersion results and then also confirmed by the commercial code &#x201C;Computer Simulation Tool (CST) Studio Suite.&#x201D; The agreement between theoretical analysis and simulation with respect to the dispersion characteristics is within 5&#x0025;.

Characterization of Low-Loss Dielectric Materials for High-Speed and High-Frequency Applications.

In this study, the Df (dissipation factor or loss tangent) and Dk (dielectric constant or permittivity) of the low-loss dielectric material from three different vendors are measured by the Fabry–Perot open resonator (FPOR) technique. Emphasis is placed on the sample preparation, data collection, and the comparison with the data sheet values provided from vendors. A coplanar waveguide with ground (CPWG) test vehicle with one of these raw dielectric materials (vendor 1) is designed (through Polar and simulation) and fabricated. The impedance of the test vehicle is measured by TDR (time-domain reflectometer), and the effective Dk of the test vehicle is calculated by the real cross-section of the metal line width, spacing, and thickness of the test vehicle and a closed-form equation. In parallel, the insertion loss and return loss are measured with the VNA (vector network analyzer) of the test vehicle. Finally, the measurement and simulation results are correlated. Some recommendations on the low-loss dielectric materials of the Dk and Df are also provided.

Recent Advances and Trends in Advanced Packaging

In this study, advanced packaging is defined. The kinds of advanced packaging are ranked based on their interconnect density and electrical performance, and are grouped into 2-D, 2.1-D, 2.3-D, 2.5-D, and 3-D IC integration, which will be presented and discussed. Chiplet design and heterogeneous integration packaging provide alternatives to the system on chips (especially for advanced nodes) will be discussed. Different substrates, such as size, pin-count, and metal linewidth and spacing for advanced packaging, are examined. The lateral communication between chiplets, such as the silicon bridges embedded in organic build-up package substrate and fan-out epoxy molding compound, as well as flexible bridges, will be presented. Fan-in packaging, such as the six-side molded wafer-level chip-scale package (WLCSP) and its comparison with the ordinary WLCSP, are presented. Fan-out packaging, such as the chip-first with die face-up, chip-first with die face-down, and chip-last and their difference, will be provided. Low-loss dielectric materials for high-speed and high-frequency applications in advanced packaging will be presented. Flip-chip assembly by mass reflow, thermocompression bonding, and bumpless hybrid bonding will be briefly mentioned first.

Significant Reduction of Resonant Frequency by Multi-Layered Dielectric Material-Loaded Coaxial Cavity for Microwave Heating

This paper presents a microwave heating method using a cavity whose size is much smaller than the free-space wavelength. The resonant frequency was reduced by inserting multi-layer dielectrics into the cavity, and an appropriate mode was generated in the cavity to heat a specific area inside it. High-permittivity dielectrics were used to make the cavity resonate in the frequency range of a few gigahertz. A formula for the resonant frequency of the multi-layer dielectric material-loaded cylindrical cavity was analytically derived. The frequency reduction by using a dielectric-loaded cylindrical cavity geometry was predicted from the derived formula, from 12.2 GHz to 4.6 GHz, whereas the experiment results showed a reduction from 10.8 GHz to 4.5 GHz. The analytical and the experiment results were compared and analyzed with simulations, which showed good agreement. The heating efficiency at the target in the multi-layered dielectric geometry was analyzed. The electric field inside the target material was measured to prove the temperature response of the microwave heating and was compared with the simulation result. This paper confirms a technical possibility of microwave heating of a smaller-sized cavity with an insertion of low-loss dielectric material in the vicinity of a heating target.