Lumped Elements Research Articles

Hybrid α -Ta/ β -Ta lumped element kinetic inductance detectors with photon noise limited sensitivity and stability

The terahertz (THz) band is of immense interest in astronomy as it encompasses significant energy generated following the Big Bang, offering critical insight into processes invisible in other bands, such as the earliest stages of planet, star, and galaxy formation. Kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs) have emerged as a formidable contender in the field of THz astronomy, attributed to their exceptional sensitivity and scalability. In this study, we introduce a kind of KIDs incorporating a lumped element (LE) resonator design, with inductors fabricated on β-Ta film and capacitors on α-Ta film. We characterize the noise of the hybrid α-Ta/β-Ta LEKIDs, achieving an optical noise equivalent power of 8.3 ± 5.7 × 10−19 W/Hz1/2, demonstrating high sensitivity. Additionally, the LEKIDs exhibited stability across multiple thermal cycles. The combination of high sensitivity and stability makes the hybrid LEKIDs promising for the stringent demands of THz astronomy.

Design of a miniaturized 90-degree quadrature hybrid coupler with harmonic suppression ability using π-shaped lumped elements

This research presents a new design and fabrication of a quadrature hybrid coupler using π-shaped lumped elements. The proposed π-shaped elements have resulted in ultra-size reduction and harmonic suppression ability simultaneously. The proposed coupler correctly works at 800 MHz, the insertion loss is less than 0.15 dB and more than 26 dB, isolation and return loss are obtained at the operating frequency. The size of the proposed coupler is only 12.8 mm ×12.2 mm, which is equal to 0.046 λg × 0.044 λg, where λg is of the guided-wavelength at 800 MHz. The conventional coupler has a large size of 0.25 λg × 0.25 λg, which is equal to 68.5 mm × 68.5 mm. The proposed coupler provides about 96% size reduction compared to the conventional coupler. Moreover, the proposed quadrature hybrid coupler has wide harmonic suppression from 2.1 GHz to 10 GHz.

An array of paired folded-end dipoles for whole-brain imaging at 9.4 T

PurposeTo improve transmit B1+ field homogeneity and longitudinal coverage of a human head RF array coil, we developed a novel eight-element transceiver (TxRx) array using composite elements based on paired folded-end dipoles. MethodsThe developed array consisted of eight pairs of coupled folded-end dipoles. Only one dipole in each pair was driven during transmission, while the other was passively coupled with the active one. The distribution of the transmit B1+ field was numerically optimized by changing the overlap between the dipoles and the value of the reactive lumped element placed in the middle of the passive dipole. ResultsThe proposed array of paired folded-end dipoles substantially improved the B1+ homogeneity and longitudinal coverage over the entire brain including the brain stem compared to a single-row folded-end dipole array. The improved whole brain coverage was demonstrated both numerically and experimentally. ConclusionAs a proof of concept, we developed and characterized both numerically and experimentally a prototype of a single-row eight-element 9.4 T array for human brain imaging consisting of composite array elements based on paired passively-coupled folded-end dipoles. The array improved the transmit magnetic field distribution due to the laterally elongated field pattern created by one active and one passive dipole per channel. As a result, the provided coverage was substantially better than that of an 8-element dipole array consisting of long folded-end dipoles. For the first time, an image of the entire human brain at 9.4 T, covering the brain stem up to the fourth vertebra, was obtained using a simple single row eight-element array.

Symmetric CRLH-TL filter based dual band microstrip antenna design approach

This paper presents a novel filter-based analysis for the conventional rectangular patch antenna (RPA) using the Composite Right/Left-Handed Transmission Line (CRLH-TL) theory. We introduce two circuit models for RPA, described by lumped components and transmission line (TL) elements. An RPA is considered a Symmetric CRLH-TL (SCRLH-TL). We validated the analysis by comparing the circuit model and full-wave analysis simulation results. The TL circuit model error in the full-wave analysis was less than 5%. A dual-band Zeroth-Order Resonant (ZOR) antenna is designed and manufactured based on the introduced Lumped element circuit model, which exhibits filtering characteristics in both bands. We obtain the antenna circuit model by incorporating the RPA lump circuit model with LC resonators. We implemented the antenna structure by combining the RPA and complementary split-ring resonators (CSRR) modeled by the LC resonators. We initialized the antenna center frequency bands for WiMAX 2.45 GHz and 3.60 GHz. The CSRRs control the configuration of the center frequencies. The simulation and measured results are in good agreement. The proposed antenna dimensions are 0.66×\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ imes$$\\end{document}0.66×\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ imes$$\\end{document}0.012 λg\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\lambda _g$$\\end{document} at 2.45 GHz (43.22×\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ imes$$\\end{document}43.22×\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ imes$$\\end{document}0.81 mm3). The measured gains are 3.47 dB and 4.64 dB for 2.45 GHz and 3.60 GHz, respectively. Two radiation nulls were observed at 2.09 GHz and 2.98 GHz for the 2.45 GHz band and one radiation null at 3.45 GHz for the 3.60 GHz band. Also, the fractional bandwidth is 4.03% and 1.39%, respectively. The radiation pattern is nearly omnidirectional. The simulated efficiency is 90% for 2.45 GHz and 87% for 3.60 GHz frequency bands.

Quasi-Optical Four-Port Acoustic Filters Based on NEMS Coupled Beam Arrays.

Theoretical models are presented for quasi-optical four-port acoustic devices based on NEMS-coupled beam arrays. Analogies with coupled mode devices in microwaves, ultrasonics, optics, and electron wave optics are first reviewed, together with coupled beam filters. Power transfer between two mechanically coupled, electrostatically driven, coupled beam arrays is then demonstrated using a lumped element model, and the conditions for full power transfer are established. Four-port devices, including directional couplers and coupler filters with complementary transmission ports, are then demonstrated. Predictions are verified for realistic device layouts using the stiffness matrix method.

Circuit-theoretic phenomenological model of an electrostatic gate-controlled bi-SQUID

Abstract A numerical model based on a lumped circuit element approximation for a bi-superconducting quantum interference device (bi-SQUID) operating in the presence of an external magnetic field is presented in this paper. Included in the model is the novel ability to capture the resultant behaviour of the device when a strong electric field is applied to its Josephson junctions by utilising gate electrodes. The model is used to simulate an all-metallic SNS (Al-Cu-Al) bi-SQUID, where good agreement is observed between the simulated results and the experimental data. The results discussed in this work suggest that the primary consequences of the superconducting field effect induced by the gating of the Josephson junctions are accounted for in our minimal model; namely, the suppression of the junctions super-current. Although based on a simplified semi-empirical model, our results may guide the search for a microscopic origin of this effect by providing a means to model the voltage response of gated SQUIDs. Also, the possible applications of this effect regarding the operation of SQUIDs as ultra-high precision sensors, where the performance of such devices can be improved via careful tuning of the applied gate voltages, are discussed at the end of the paper.

Plasmonic devices – equivalent circuit representations

An equivalent circuit model for plasmonic slot waveguide-based devices is presented. Taking advantage of the high mode confinement provided by this waveguide geometry, we express plasmonic waveguide geometries using transmission line parameters and express T-junctions using lumped equivalent circuit elements. By combining these fundamental building blocks, we subsequently introduce equivalent circuit models for stub filters and branch-line couplers. We show that plasmonic circuits, if designed with sharp discontinuities, feature low losses that are comparable to losses from RF circuits and even the corresponding photonic circuits. The framework presented here gives insight into the design of novel microwave-inspired plasmonic devices and circuits and significantly speeds up the design time, as a large part of the geometry optimization can be performed in the equivalent circuit domain. For instance, we use this framework in a follow-up paper to design ultra-compact plasmonic hybrids, such as those needed for coherent detection.

Low frequency, broadband and thin acoustic metamaterials for acoustic insulation

Elastic and locally resonant metamaterials can be used to improve the acoustic insulation properties of panels, particularly at low frequencies. Among the possible architectures, we are interested in the case of a very soft panel consisting of a porous material in which a periodic distribution of cylindrical inclusions is inserted. It has recently been established (JSV 571 (2024) 118005) that this configuration gives rise to a large and low-frequency transmission dip, explained by the coexistence of an elastic band gap and the destructive interference resulting from the interaction between an elastic resonance mode of the skeleton and a rigid body mode of the inclusions. The paper aims to describe the essential physical mechanisms involved in using a minimal lumped element model, the characteristics of which are extracted from the cell modes. The relevance of the minimal model is validated utilizing a comparison with reference results obtained using the finite element method. This approach focuses on the mechanisms involved and is not constrained by the choice of a particular geometric configuration (exact shape and size of the inclusion), allowing it to evolve.

Two linear energy stable lumped mass finite element schemes for the viscous Cahn–Hilliard equation on curved surfaces in 3D

The evolution of a dynamic system on complex curved 3D surfaces is essential for the understanding of natural phenomena, the development of new materials, and engineering design optimization. In this work, we study the viscous Cahn–Hilliard equation on curved surfaces and develop two linear energy stable finite element schemes based on the lumped mass method. Two stabilizing terms are added to ensure both the unique solvability and unconditional energy stability. We prove rigorously that two schemes are unconditionally energy stable . Numerical experiments are presented to verify theoretical results and to show the robustness and accuracy of the proposed method.

Multifaceted Characterization Methodology for Understanding Nonidealities in Perovskite Solar Cells: A Passivation Case Study

A multifaceted characterization approach is proposed, aiming to establish a link between nanoscale electrical properties and macroscale device characteristics. Current–voltage (I–V) measurements are combined with admittance spectroscopy (AS) and deep‐level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) for the analysis of charge‐related performance losses with time‐of‐flight secondary‐ion mass spectrometry to complete the understanding of ionic motion in the device. This is applied to the study of surface treatment in perovskite solar cells, which implements several strategies to improve band alignment, perovskite grain growth, and chemical passivation. An increase of both open‐circuit voltage (Voc) and fill factor of respectively 90 mV and 11% is shown after surface treatment, with an absolute efficiency increase of 4%. AS measurements, coupled with a lumped elements model, rule out the impact of transport layers as the origin of the performance improvement, rather pointing toward a reduction in ionic resistance in the perovskite bulk. Analysis of the DLTS response yields an activation energy of 0.41 eV, which is likely related to the same ionic mechanism discovered with AS. Finally, both of these techniques enable to show that the surface treatment main contribution is to reduce ion‐related recombination of charge carriers.

DESIGN AND SIMULATION OF S-BAND MICROWAVE AMPLIFIER FOR SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

This paper presents a novel design of S-band monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) amplifiers based on GaAs MESFET HFET-1102 transistors used in radiofrequency (RF) and microwave communications systems. Based on the Chebyshev gain response, an analytical method is used to design a two-stage lumped microwave amplifier. The matching networks constituted by lumped elements are transformed into T inductive networks, and the resulting amplifier is optimized using RF simulator software. In the following step, the lumped optimized amplifier is transformed into a distributed amplifier and implemented on Rogers TMM3 substrate largely used in microwave circuits. The final MMIC amplifier is stable in the frequency band (2-4 GHz), and excellent performances are obtained in terms of very high gain, reaching a peak of 35 dB, low input (S11) and output reflection (S22) coefficients, and very good output/input isolation (S12). For its RF characteristics, the proposed MMIC amplifier presented in this work is very suitable for space telecommunications in low earth orbit (LEO) satellites onboard receivers.

Equivalent circuit technique for designing split ring resonator based metasurfaces

Metasurfaces are two-dimensional artificially engineered structures capable of manipulating the phase, direction and orientation of electromagnetic waves by exhibiting simultaneously negative values of permittivity and permeability. These unconventional properties have been tailored and explored in many applications such as in bio-sensors, waveguides and antennas. The split ring resonators are the commonly used constituent meta-atoms of metasurfaces whose design and analysis rely on commercially available numerical electromagnetic fields (EM) solvers and experimental analysis. These numerical EM solvers are based on meshing and partitioning of graphical structures into the desire grids or patches to solve Maxwell equations in discrete form. However, graphical rendering and meshing of 3D objects requires significant space-time computational resources to analyze the structure. With the cost of licenses of EM solvers being very expensive, analytical solution were explored. The use of LC resonant frequency analytical formula provides an approximate value of resonant frequency which is less accurate and does not gives information about the current characteristics induced on the constinuent meta-atom of a metasurface. This paper presents an analytical approach to the design and analysis of a doubly split double rings (DSRR) using lumped element equivalent circuit that can be solved by mesh network analysis. The resonant frequency is extracted from the induced current characteristics which agrees with simulations and experimental results. The resonant frequency errors for a single DSRR unit cell ranged from1.05% to 7%, and for two coupled DSRR unit cells, they ranged from 1.4% to 11%.

Operation map of a traveling-wave thermoacoustic electric generator with variable resistive-capacitive electric loads.

A toroidal-topology traveling-wave thermoacoustic electric generator (TWTEG) is developed. It consists of a traveling-wave thermoacoustic engine, two linear alternators connected in parallel, and sets of variable resistive-capacitive (R-C) external electric loads, in conjunction with accessories and instrumentation required for experimental investigations. The working medium is helium with a static absolute pressure that varies from 25 bars to 30 bars. A detailed description of the thermal design of the heat exchangers is presented. Sustainable operation of the TWTEG is achieved over a range of external R-C loads at different imposed hot-side temperatures and mean gas pressures. The performance parameters are measured for different experimental conditions and compared with a developed lumped-element model. The comparison between the experimental results and predictions reveals a good agreement. The impedance matching between the thermoacoustic engine and the linear alternators is investigated experimentally over a wide range of external R-C loads. The external R-C loads play a crucial role in the operation of the TWTEG. The mean gas pressure changes the operating frequency; however, it has no significant influence on the operating range of the TWTEG on the R-C load map. Increasing the hot-side temperature improves the thermal-to-acoustic efficiency and extends the operating region into larger regions.

Envelope vector solitons in nonlinear flexible mechanical metamaterials

In this paper, we employ a combination of analytical and numerical techniques to investigate the dynamics of lattice envelope vector soliton solutions propagating within a one-dimensional chain of flexible mechanical metamaterial. To model the system, we formulate discrete equations that describe the longitudinal and rotational displacements of each individual rigid unit mass using a lump element approach. By applying the multiple-scales method in the context of a semi-discrete approximation, we derive an effective nonlinear Schrödinger equation that characterizes the evolution of rotational and slowly varying envelope waves from the aforementioned discrete motion equations. We thus show that this flexible mechanical metamaterial chain supports envelope vector solitons where the rotational component has the form of either a bright or a dark soliton. In addition, due to nonlinear coupling, the longitudinal displacement displays kink-like profiles thus forming the 2-components vector soliton. These findings, which include specific vector envelope solutions, enrich our knowledge on the nonlinear wave solutions supported by flexible mechanical metamaterials and open new possibilities for the control of nonlinear waves and vibrations.

Acoustic Transmission Measurements for Extracting the Mechanical Properties of Complex 3D MEMS Transducers.

Recent publications on acoustic MEMS transducers present a new three-dimensional folded diaphragm that utilizes buried in-plane vibrating structures to increase the active area from a small chip volume. Characterization of the mechanical properties plays a key role in the development of new MEMS transducers, whereby established measurement methods are usually tailored to structures close to the sample surface. In order to access the lateral vibrations, extensive and destructive sample preparation is required. This work presents a new passive measurement technique that combines acoustic transmission measurements and lumped-element modelling. For diaphragms of different lengths, compliances between 0.08 × 10-15 and 1.04 × 10-15 m3/Pa are determined without using destructive or complex preparations. In particular, for lengths above 1000 µm, the results differ from numerical simulations by only 4% or less.

Analysis, design, and optimization based on genetic algorithms of a highly efficient dual-band rectenna system for radiofrequency energy-harvesting applications

This paper gives an enhanced Rectenna design that operates at dual-band [2.45 and 5.8] GHz in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) band and is printed on an FR4-Epoxy substrate. This Rectenna design includes two proposed sub-designs for the receiving antenna and rectifier circuit based on the microstrip technology. The first sub-design concerns the microstrip patch antenna (MPA) described by its radiating element as a pentagonal, its ground being affected by a defective ground structure technique, and its polarization manner as circular polarization. This MPA design is analyzed, designed, optimized using genetic algorithms (GAs), simulated under CST MWS (i.e., computer simulation technology microwave studio), and confirmed by another software named HFSS (high-frequency structure simulator). The second sub-design concerns the microstrip rectifier circuit (MRC) that contains an input matching network based on a coupled-line impedance transformer strategy to achieve good adaptation between MPA and MRC, voltage doubler converter using an SMS7630 Schottky diode thanks to its high sensitivity, microstrip interdigital capacitor to mitigate the intrinsic losses due to the lumped elements, harmonic rejection filter based on a stepped-impedance low-pass filter to reject the unwanted harmonics generated by the non-linear behavior of SMS7630, and the resistive load that models the consumption of the system to be fed. This MRC is analyzed, designed, optimized using GAs, and simulated under ADS (Advanced Design System). The effectiveness of the proposed MPA is proven in terms of gain equals 3.06 dBi and 4.683 dBi at 2.45 GHz and 5.8 GHz respectively, and efficiency equals 95.13 % and 96.552 % at 2.45 GHz and 5.8 GHz respectively. The proposed MRC is effective in terms of efficiency at a lower input power value of about 97.18 % and 67.93 % at 2.45 GHz and 5.8 GHz respectively.

A methodology for enhancing bandwidth with keeping steepness of the ladder filters exploiting acoustic‐wave‐lumped‐element resonators

AbstractA methodology to acquire a wide bandwidth and steep transition of a hybrid ladder filter with the acoustic‐wave‐lumped‐element‐resonators (AWLRs) structure is proposed. Different from previous works, a unit of the new AWLR structure with two lumped elements respectively in series and shunt is proposed. It can change both the series‐resonant frequency and the parallel‐resonant frequency of the acoustic wave (AW) resonator to enhance the bandwidth of the hybrid ladder filter. For the ladder structure, all the AW resonators possess the same resonant frequency and impedance. This ladder structure is also used to keep the steep transition of the hybrid filter. For the validations, two‐stage and four‐stage AWLRs‐based hybrid filters are designed, manufactured, and tested. They include (1) a two‐stage filter with an insertion loss (IL) of 0.9 dB, a fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 1.90kt2 (kt2 is the electromechanical coupling coefficient), a center frequency of 1249.3 MHz, and (2) a four‐stage filter with the IL of 1.3 dB, the FBW of 1.86kt2, the SF30 dB/3 dB (shape factor defined as 30‐dB bandwidth divided by 3‐dB bandwidth) of 2.52, the figure of merit (defined as FBW divided by SF30 dB/3 dB) is 0.74kt2 which is the best result, a center frequency of 1249.4 MHz.

Total harmonic distortion estimation in piezoelectric micro-electro-mechanical-system loudspeakers via a FEM-assisted reduced-order-model

Piezoelectric micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) loudspeakers are attracting growing research interest in the last years due to the increasing interest towards miniaturization required by new wireless audio devices. Finite Element Models (FEM) and Lumped Element Models (LEM) able to accurately simulate their linear response have been recently proposed in the literature. However, a nonlinear model suitable to predict the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of these devices is to date still missing. In this work, we present a FEM-assisted lumped-parameters equivalent circuit for THD estimation which accounts for geometric nonlinearities and piezoelectric hysteresis. The loudspeaker nonlinear electro-mechanical domain is simulated through a Reduced Order Model (ROM) which considers as basis function the pre-stressed undamped actuated mode of the device computed via FEM, to account for loudspeaker diaphragms of arbitrarily complex geometry. Parameters of the acoustical circuit are computed through analytical formulas. The good matching between numerical predictions and experimental results, carried out on a piezoelectric MEMS loudspeaker prototype for in-ear condition, demonstrates the accuracy of the proposed tool.

Characterizing parameters and incorporating action potentials via the Hodgkin-Huxley model in a novel electric model for living cells

ABSTRACT To enhance our understanding of electroporation and optimize the pulses used within the frequency range of 1 kHz to 100 MHz, with the aim of minimizing side effects such as muscle contraction, we introduce a novel electrical model, structured as a 2D representation employing exclusively lumped elements. This model adeptly encapsulates the intricate dynamics of living cells’ impedance variation. A distinguishing attribute of the proposed model lies in its capacity to decipher the distribution of transmembrane potential across various orientations within living cells. This aspect bears critical importance, particularly in contexts such as electroporation and cellular stimulation, where precise knowledge of potential gradients is pivotal. Furthermore, the augmentation of the proposed electrical model with the Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) model introduces an additional dimension. This integration augments the model’s capabilities, specifically enabling the exploration of muscle cell stimulation and the generation of action potentials. This broader scope enhances the model’s utility, facilitating comprehensive investigations into intricate cellular behaviors under the influence of external electric fields.

Dual-band low-power RF-to-DC signal converter circuits for energy harvesting

This article presents dual-band low-power, high-sensitive radio-frequency (RF)-to-direct current (DC) signal converter circuits, operating at 2.45 and 5.5 GHz bands, for radio frequency energy harvesting applications. In particular, it focuses on the lumped element and microstrip transmission line model circuits. The lumped element RF-to-DC converter circuit is composed of a dual-band impedance matching circuit, voltage-doubler rectifier, and DC-pass filter with a resistive load of 5 kΩ. This converter circuit gives a DC output voltage of 48 mV at 2.45 GHz and 25 mV at 5.5 GHz on −25 dBm input power. Maximum conversion efficiency is 47% at the 2.45 GHz band and 27% at the 5.5 GHz band when the input power is set to −10 dBm. Circuit design steps, matching conditions, performance parameters, and so on, are presented using Advanced Design System simulation. To validate the concept of the lumped element model, a microstrip transmission line RF-to-DC converter model is simulated and fabricated. It also composes of a dual-band matching network, voltage-doubler, and DC-pass filter with a load resistance of 5 kΩ. At a low input power of −18 dBm, it gives an output voltage of 21 mV in measurement. An appropriate match between the simulation and measurement is noted.