Novel Tunable Dielectric Microwave Filters

The rapid expansion in the use of microwave communications has created a need for dramatically improved microwave devices. Frequency filters are a key component in the wireless communication and military systems. Currently available filters are discrete bulky components. In this program NZ Applied Technologies in collaboration with Las Alamos National Laboratory proposes to develop novel tunable dielectric filters. This new microwave filter technology holds the promise of significant reduction in size, improvement in performance, and the potential for monolithic integration with GaAs ICs. Moreover, the electrical tunability of this type of devices is desirable for the wireless communication systems capable of operation across frequency bands and for military microwave systems capable of frequency agility. This technology forms a base for various advanced microwave devices such as active phase shifters and frequency agile antennas. The recent advances in complex-oxide thin film processing have opened an unprecedented opportunity to realize the proposed devices. Our preliminary work has demonstrated the basic performance of frequency resonance and electrical tunability of the proposed devices. In this Phase I, we will further develop both materials and prototype devices by an innovative plasma-enhanced chemcial vapor deposition (PE-CVD). The PE-CVD is suitable for high volume and low cost manufacturing. Anticipated Benefits: Success in the Phase I effort will provide a viable manufacturing route for advanced microwave filters, which have a huge market potential. This technology is also a basis for various microwave devices such as tunable delay lines, tunable resonators, parametric amplifiers, and frequency agile phase array antennas.