CAREER: Smart RF/Microwave Components using Nano-Film Slow Wave Elements

目的研制基于纳米膜慢波元件的小型多功能射频毫米波器件。方法是进行系统的材料和器件研究，包括低损耗慢波传输线元件的研究和建模；探索基础科学和表征纳米尺度的普默合金和钛酸锶钡薄膜的可调性；设计电感和电容可调慢波元件；展示了高效、紧凑、多功能的射频器件和组件。本研究的智力价值包括：由纳米图案薄膜实现的可调谐慢波元件的新架构；多层柔性聚合物基板上三维智能慢波元件的设计与独特工艺开发纳米普默合金和钛酸锶钡的宽带表征多频带射频无源组件包括支路耦合器、带通滤波器和相控阵天线。这里提出的所有器件概念都是独一无二的，设想的可调谐慢波元件及其RF器件应用将为该领域提供重大突破。更广泛的影响该提案的更广泛的影响包括以各种方式整合教育和研究，例如开设新课程，在南卡罗来纳大学招募代表性不足和少数族裔的工程师，推广活动和基于网络的电子博物馆，名为智能射频电子，以激发年轻一代对工程的兴趣。技术和社会影响将发生在不同的科学和工程领域，如电信，医学成像，甚至无线环境监测。

ObjectiveThe objective of this research is to develop compact multifunctional radio frequency and mmwave devices based on nano-film slow wave elements. The approach is to carry out a systematic material and device study include investigating and modeling of low loss slow wave transmission line elements; exploring fundamental science and characterizing tunability of nano-scale patterned Permalloy and Barium Strontium Titanate thin films; designing inductance and capacitance tunable slow wave elements; and demonstrating highly efficient, compact, multifunctional RF devices and components.Intellectual MeritThe intellectual merit of this research includes new architectures of tunable slow wave elements enabled by nano patterned thin films; design and unique process development of 3 dimensional smart slow wave elements on multi-layer flexible polymer substrate; broadband characterization of nano scale patterned Permalloy and Barium Strontium Titanate; and multi-band RF Passive components include a Branch-line coupler, a bandpass filter and a phased array antenna. All the device concepts presented here are unique and the envisioned tunable slow wave elements and their RF device applications will provide a major breakthrough in the field.Broader ImpactsThe broader impacts of this proposal include the integrated education and research in various ways, such as a new course, recruiting underrepresented and minority engineers at the University of South Carolina, outreach activities and a web based e-museum entitled Smart RF Electronics to inspire young generations interest in engineering. The technical and societal impacts will occur in diverse areas of science and engineering such as telecommunications, medical imaging, and even wireless environmental monitoring.