Brillouin-assisted microwave frequency measurement with adjustable measurement range and resolution

We present a reconfigurable microwave frequency measurement technique with adjustable measurement range and resolution. The key novelty of the technique is the employment of stimulated Brillouin scattering, which results in a tunable amplitude comparison function, leading to an adjustable measurement range and resolution. The proposed technique is switchable between a wideband tunable narrow measurement range (～2 GHz) with high resolution (±0.05 GHz) and a fixed wide measurement range (12 GHz) with moderate resolution (±0.25 GHz).     

Broad band metamaterial absorber based on wheel resonators with lumped elements for microwave energy harvesting

A new metamaterial absorber structure is designed and characterized both numerically and experimentally for microwave energy harvesting applications. The proposed structure includes four wheel resonators with different dimensions, from which the overall response of the structure can then be obtained by summing all the overlapping frequency responses corresponding to each dimension. The essential operation frequency range of the wheels is selected in such a way that the energy used in wireless communications and found within the environment that we live is absorbed. The dimensions are obtained using parametric study and genetic algorithm to realize wideband absorption response. When the simulation and measurement results are taken into account, it is observed that the metamaterial absorber based harvester has potential to absorb and convert microwave energy with an absorption ratio lying within the range of 80 and 99% for the frequency band of 3–5.9 and 7.3–8 GHz. The conversion efficiency of the structure as a harvester is found to be greater than 0.8 in the interval of 2–5 GHz. Furthermore, the incident angle and polarization dependence of the wheel resonator based metamaterial absorber and harvester is also investigated and it is observed that the structure has both polarization and incident angle independent frequency response with good absorption characteristics in the entire working frequency band. Hence, the suggested design having good absorption, polarization and angle independent characteristics with wide bandwidth is a potential candidate for future energy harvester using wireless communication frequency band.     

How broad band (from radio frequency to microwaves) dielectric parameters describe synthetic chemical reactions

Large differences in the dielectric responses of isolated molecules and associated reactive mixtures are observed over a wide frequency spectrum ranging from low to microwave frequencies. We present the results obtained for the curing (cross‐linking) of a resin mixed with a hardener. Electrical dipoles contribute to orientation polarization whose responses lie in the 1 kHz to over 1 GHz frequency range, which is predominantly higher than the 0.1 Hz–10 kHz range in which ionic conductivity is observed. It is the relaxation frequency of the reactive mixture that will be considered as the reaction marker. We also describe the results obtained with the saponification of an ester in the presence of a catalyst, with the reactive mixture containing – as in the previous case – electric dipoles and ions, but with responses superimposed in the 1 MHz–10 GHz frequency band. In this case, and for simplification reasons, the low frequency band ionic conductivity is the reaction marker. The aim of this paper is to translate synthetic chemical reactions into electronic terms, in order to allow electronics engineers to understand the interaction between electromagnetic waves and materials. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Photonic approach to the simultaneous measurement of the frequency, amplitude, pulse width, and time of arrival of a microwave signal

A photonic approach to the simultaneous measurement of the frequency, pulse amplitude (PA), pulse width (PW), and time of arrival (TOA) of an unknown pulsed microwave signal is proposed and demonstrated. The measurement is performed based on optical carrier-suppressed modulation, complementary optical filtering, low-speed photodetection, and electrical signal processing. A proof-of-concept experiment is carried out. A frequency measurement range of 2-11 GHz with a measurement error for frequency, PA, PW, and TOA within ±0.1 GHz, ±0.05 V, ±1 ns, and ±0.16 ns is achieved.     

Instantaneous frequency measurement based on complementary microwave photonic filters with a shared Mach-Zehnder interferometer

A novel configuration using only one Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) for photonic-assisted instantaneous microwave frequency measurement is proposed. The amplitude comparison function (ACF), related to the input microwave frequency while independent of the input optical power and modulate index, is achieved by using a ratio of low-pass to bandpass frequency responses introduced by intensity and phase modulation with a shared MZI. The microwave frequency can be estimated by the measured ACF. A proof-of-concept experiment for measurement of RF from 5 to 10 GHz is successfully demonstrated with the measurement errors less than ± 0.2 GHz.     

A MZI-based photonic instantaneous microwave frequency measurement simplified by an optical polarizer

A novel photonic scheme of microwave signal frequency measurement with adjustable measurement range and resolution is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The proposed scheme is based on simultaneous optical phase modulation and intensity modulation with interferometric detection. A low-pass frequency response is achieved by a Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) while a bandpass frequency response is produced by a polarizer placed on the back instead of in front of the MZI. The microwave frequency can be estimated by the measured amplitude comparison function (ACF) obtained from the ratio of the two frequency responses. This scheme is simple, cost-effective as it requires no extra laser sources or modulators in the basic analog modulation link. The measurement errors as shown in experimental results can be kept in 0.1 GHz over a frequency range of 0.1–8.5 GHz.     

A microstrip resonator filter using sandwich structure

We present results for a compact, multiple gap and multiple pass band microstrip resonator filter. The microstrip resonator filter, consisting of a sandwich substrate with a metallic fractal pattern, shows multiple gaps from 40 MHz to 10 GHz. The transmission characteristics of the microstrip resonator filter show multiple pass bands and stop bands for electromagnetic waves over the microwave frequency range. Experimental observations are in good agreement with the results of finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations. These properties can be useful in the application in compact microwave circuits, microwave filters, and microwave switches. PACS 84.30.Vn; 84.40.Az; 95.85.Bh     

A millimeter and sub-millimeter wave frequency selective surface beamsplitter for geostationary orbit microwave radiometers

We report the design of three frequency selective surface(FSS) filters used on the FengYun-4(FY-4) microwave satellite,which separate five-frequency bands in the frequency range of 50-429 GHz with the insertion loss less than 0.4 dB,and separation between adjacent channels more than 20 dB for either TE or TM incidence.Firstly,we briefly introduce the disadvantages of two types of FSS filter:waveguide-array FSS and printed FSS,which are commonly employed in the millimeter and sub-millimeter wave band.In order to meet the insertion loss requirement and specified spectral transmission response,we adopt a filter composed of two closely spaced freestanding metal plates,which contains an array of resonant ring slot elements.Computer simulation technology(CST) is used to optimize the structural dimensions of the resonant unit and interlayer separation.Numerical results show that these FSS filters exhibit transmission loss of less than 0.4 dB and separation between adjacent channels of more than 20 dB.Simulated transmission coefficients are in close agreement with the required specification,and even exceed the performance specifications.     

High-Q, tunable, photonic microwave single passband filter based on stimulated Brillouin scattering and fiber Bragg grating filtering

We experimentally demonstrate a single passband, photonic microwave bandpass filter scheme based on stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in optical fiber. A single side band (SSB)-modulated probe and a single frequency, tunable pump beam that have been produced by the combination of conventional Mach-Zehnder modulators and fiber Bragg grating filters, are used for the generation of SBS phenomenon in a 1-km long highly nonlinear dispersion-shifted optical fiber. Using the proposed scheme a single microwave passband with a ∼26 MHz bandwidth is readily achieved over a radio frequency tuning range from 1.3 to 9.3 GHz. The maximum Q-factor is measured to be ∼360.     

Radio-over-fiber AM-to-FM upconversion using an optically injected semiconductor laser

A radio-over-fiber system uses light to carry a microwave subcarrier on optical fibers. The microwave is usually frequency modulated for wireless broadcasting. A conventional optical communication system usually operates at the baseband with amplitude modulation. The interface of the two systems thus needs an upconversion from the baseband to the microwave band with AM-to-FM transformation. An all-optical solution employing an optically injected semiconductor laser is investigated. The laser is operated in a dynamic state, where its intensity oscillates at a microwave frequency that varies with the injection strength. When the injection carries AM data, the microwave is frequency modulated accordingly. We demonstrate optical conversion from an OC-12 622-Mbps AM baseband signal to the corresponding FM microwave signal. The microwave is centered at 15.90 GHz. A bit-error rate of less than 10(-9) is measured.     

光子晶体高功率微波模式转换器设计

研究了传输线中非截面排列金属光子晶体电磁特性,并利用其作为移相器提出了一种紧凑型TEM—TE11模式转换器的设计方法.利用电磁软件cst microwave studio优化设计了一套L波段TEM—TE11模式转换器,在中心频率1.58 GHz上转换效率为98%.在1.56—1.625 GHz频率范围内,模式转换器转换效率大于90%,对应带宽4.1%.模式转换器功率容量为GW级,适用于高功率微波源系统.结合磁绝缘线振荡器开展了粒子模拟研究工作,发现模式转换器性能与设计结果相符,并且其引入不影响高功率微波器件的正常工作.     

An Integrated Sideband-Separating SIS Mixer Based on Waveguide Split Block for 100 GHz Band with 4.0–8.0 GHz IF

We have developed an integrated sideband-separating SIS mixer for the 100 GHz band based on the waveguide split block. The measured receiver noise temperatures with 4.0–8.0 GHz IF are less than 60 K in the LO frequency range of 90–110 GHz, and a minimum value of around 45 K is achieved at 100 GHz. The image rejection ratios are more than 10 dB in the frequency range of 90–110 GHz. We have installed the sideband-separating SIS mixer into an atmospheric ozone-measuring system at Osaka Prefecture University and successfully observed an ozone spectrum at 110 GHz in SSB mode. This experimental result indicates that the sideband-separating SIS mixer is very useful for astronomical observation as well as atmospheric observation.     

基于超材料的微波双波段吸收器

基于闭合双环单元结构, 设计、仿真、测试了对偏振无依赖性的双波段超材料吸收器. 实验结果表明, 该设计在频率4.06 GHz和6.66 GHz存在两个显著吸收峰, 吸收率分别为99.60%和95.83%, 并且在入射角达到50°时, 吸收率仍然保持在83%以上. 由于单元结构具有旋转对称性, 使得该吸收器对偏振不敏感, 能同时实现横电波和横磁波的双波段吸收. 吸收频率决定于闭合环大小, 调节闭合环尺寸能够灵活实现特定频率的吸收. 这些优点使我们的设计在多频谱成像、热辐射探测等应用中表现出较大的潜力.     

M型钡铁氧体陶瓷微珠核壳腔结构吸波材料

利用自反应淬熄法制备了一种M型钡铁氧体空心陶瓷微珠材料,在此基础上,对其表面进行超声波化学镀Ni-Co复合层,从而形成了具有核/壳/腔结构的材料;通过扫描电子显微镜、能谱仪和X射线衍射仪分析表明,该材料具有中空结构,主要物相BaFe12O19为M型钡铁氧体,经过化学镀后,在其表面形成了一层Ni-Co复合层;经过吸波性能测试,化学镀Ni-Co复合层后,在2~18GHz范围内,当厚度为2.10mm时,最低反射率达到了-28.62dB,反射率小于-10dB的带宽为3.33GHz。     

C波段卫星通信中高温超导双工器的研制

文中提出一种紧凑型的c波段高温超导双工器的设计方法,利用一个公共输入节点和两个带通滤波器组成双工器。公共节点是由中心谐振频率处在防护频带上的开环微带环实现,每个带通滤波器都包括四个矩形螺旋线谐振器。双工器的中心频率为4GHz,带宽为0.23GHz。该双工器采用氧化镁衬底双面镝钡铜氧高温超导薄膜加工而成,薄膜上下表面均溅射金保护层。将超导双工器封装在铜制屏蔽盒中并在机械制冷机(77K温度条件)中测试。实验结果表明,每个信道的插入损耗低于0.1dB,两个信道间的隔离度超过40dB。仿真和实验结果达到很好的吻合,有效的说明了设计方法的正确性。     

Characteristics of microwave filters based on microstrip photonic bandgap ring structures

We study the characteristics of microstrip ring exhibiting photonic band gap properties. Since the stop band is caused by the reflection of electromagnetic waves at the narrow gap introduced in the ring, the geometry of the ring can influence on the characteristics of stop band. The center frequency of the stop band is determined mainly by the outer ring radius when the line width of the circular ring is rather narrow. But it is determined mainly by the mean ring radius when the ring is not a circular form or the line width of circular ring is wide. The frequency range of the stop band can be varied by a reactive component mounted on the gap. The presence of capacitor (inductor) on the gap decreases (increases) the center frequency and the frequency range of the stop band. Moreover, the stop band can be widened by modifying the geometry of ring. These properties can be useful in the applications to the compact microwave circuits, tunable filters and microwave switches.     

具有双陷波特性的超宽带天线设计

设计了一款基于共面波导馈电的小型化具有双陷波特性的超宽带天线,该天线的带宽在3～14 GHz内,电压驻波比(VSWR)小于2。在辐射贴片上通过开L型和半圆环缝隙实现了在3.3～3.7 GHz和5.150～5.825 GHz的双频段的陷波特性,抑制了802.16无线城域网和无线局域网对超宽带系统的干扰,在整个工作频段具有稳定的增益和良好的全向性。通过对天线模型进行加工制作并测量,测试结果表明:天线的带宽是3～14 GHz,在3.3～3.7 GHz和5.15～5.825 GHz频段内VSWR大于4,实现了天线的双陷波特性。该天线尺寸小、结构紧凑的特点,适合现代的无线通信系统。     

Conformational and dielectric analysis of hydrogen bonded polar binary mixtures of propan-1-ol with propionaldehyde

The dielectric behaviour of polar liquids such as propan-1-ol, propionaldehyde and their equimolar binary mixture in non-polar solvent benzene is studied in the microwave frequency range using the cavity perturbation technique at 6.218 GHz (J band), 9.880 GHz (X band), 16.331 GHz (P band) and 24.951 GHz (K band). Ab initio geometry optimization is performed in the 6-31G (d) basis set using the Gaussian 94W program for both pure and binary systems of propan-1-ol and propionaldehyde. Dipole moments of the binary mixtures are calculated from the dielectric data using Higasi's method and compared with the ab initio results. Conformational analysis of the formation of hydrogen bond between the propan-1-ol and propionaldehyde is supported by the FT-IR spectra. The average relaxation times are calculated from their respective Cole–Cole plots.     

Experimental verification of negative refraction in a double cross metamaterial

We report on microwave experiments with a metamaterial composed of pairs of metallic crosses. The transmission properties of the structure show a left-handed transmission band at frequencies around 10.2 GHz. The validity of the negative effective index of refraction is verified by a Snell’s law refraction experiment performed on a wedge-shaped sample of the metamaterial. A second measurement of a similar wedge made from blank FR4 boards is done for reference. The results of the measurements show positive refraction over the whole measured frequency band for the FR4 wedge as well as the refraction of the incident radiation to negative angles within the designated left-handed frequency band for the metamaterial sample.     

The effects of static magnetic field on microwave absorption of hydrogen plasma in carbon nanotubes: A numerical study

We theoretically investigate the microwave absorption properties of hydrogen plasma in iron-catalyzed highpressure disproportionation-grown carbon nanotubes under an external static magnetic field in the frequency range 0.3 GHz to 30 GHz, using the Maxwell equations in conjunction with a general expression for the effective complex permittivity of magnetized plasma known as the Appleton–Hartree formula. The effects of the external static magnetic field intensity and the incident microwave propagation direction on the microwave absorption of hydrogen plasma in CNTs are studied in detail. The numerical results indicate that the microwave absorption properties of hydrogen plasma in iron-catalyzed high-pressure disproportionation-grown carbon nanotubes can be obviously improved when the external static magnetic field is applied to the material. It is found that the specified frequency microwave can be strongly absorbed by the hydrogen plasma in iron-catalyzed high-pressure disproportionation-grown carbon nanotubes over a wide range of incidence angles by adjusting the external magnetic field intensity and the parameters of the hydrogen plasma.