Research and Development of Substrate Integrated Circuits and Systems for Gigahertz and Terahertz Electronics and Photonics

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The proposed research aims to investigate and explore an emerging and disruptive technology called "substrate integrated circuits (SICs)" towards the development of millimetre-wave and terahertz integrated circuits (MTICs). This concept of SICs was pioneered by the applicant over a decade ago. Substrate integrated waveguides (SIWs), which belong to the family of SICs, have been widely studied and successfully explored by researchers around the world, under the leadership of the applicant, for the development of a new generation microwave and millimetre-wave integrated circuits and systems. The fundamental feature of SICs is that almost all non-planar guided-wave structures can be synthesized and transformed into planar form at low cost, thereby making full integrations of such structures possible. Therefore, both planar and non-planar structures can be seamlessly integrated and made of the same processing techniques. This building platform holds the promise of becoming the next generation integrated circuits for millimetre-wave and terahertz systems and unifying the physical mechanisms of electronics and photonics. This research allows the applicant to continue leading international research efforts in discovering new circuit features, new design rules, new innovative devices, and new application areas. This will involve unconventional, multilayered substrates and mixed dielectric-metallic waveguides. Fundamental guided-wave properties will be investigated. Novel theoretical techniques will be studied and developed, and experimental prototypes will be made and demonstrated for antennas, circuits and systems. This project will foster substantial interests of this new technology for future millimetre-wave and terahertz system development towards complete hybrid and monolithic system-on-substrate integration and miniaturization. The applicant, his students and research associates are eager to make a comprehensive characterization and quick development of this revolutionary technology. This research is strategically important for future explorations and applications in the field of information and communication technology. It will allow the applicant to further expand one of the most visible Canadian research programs in the world.