Analysis on skin-effect of a polymer shielded push–pull directional coupler electro-optic switch

By using the extended point-matching method, coupled mode theory, and electro-optic modulation theory, design and optimization are carried out for a polymer shielded push–pull directional coupler electro-optic switch. A novel technique and the relative formulas are presented for analyzing the influences of the skin-effect on the microwave characteristic parameters and the switching performances. Simulation results show that the voltages of the cross- and bar-states are 0 and ±2.93 V, respectively, and the coupling length is 4.139 mm. Considering the influences of the skin-effect, the cutoff switching frequency is 172 GHz, the insertion loss is in the range of 1.920–1.975 dB, the crosstalk is less than ?20 dB, and the switching time is 31.18–31.40 ps within the range of the switching frequency from 0.72 to 172 GHz. The designed switch exhibits superior characteristics including good impedance match, low switching voltage, and high cutoff switching frequency.     

Simulation and optimization of a polymer 2×2 multimode interference-Mach Zehnder interferometer electro-optic switch with push-pull electrodes

Structural model and design technique are proposed for a polymer 2×2 multimode interference-Mach Zehnder interferometer electro-optic (MMI-MZI EO) switch with push-pull electrodes. The electric field distribution is analyzed by the conformal transforming method and image method. To get the minimum mode loss and half-wave voltage, the parameters of the waveguide and electrodes are optimized, such as the core width, core thickness, buffer layer thickness, size of the MMI couplers and the modulating region, electrode thickness, electrode width, and electrode gap. Switching characteristics are analyzed, including the output power, crosstalk, and wavelength shift. Simulation results show that the half-wave voltage is 0.74 V, the optical 3 dB bandwidth is 12.66 GHz, and the crosstalk is less than −30 dB for the designed device.     

Analysis of response characteristics for polymer directional coupler electro-optic switches

By using the coupled mode theory, electro-optic modulation theory, conformal transforming method, image method and the proposed transfer matrix technique, novel expressions for the both cases of the low switching frequency and the ultra-high switching frequency are presented for analyzing the transmission powers, rise time, fall time, switching time and switching frequency of the polymer directional coupler electro-optic switches. Simulation results of an application based on the technique show that, the switching voltage and coupling length are about 1.457 V and 4.374 mm, respectively, and the switching time and cutoff switching frequency are about 32.8 ps and 114.7 GHz, respectively, for the designed switch.     

Investigation on push-pull polymer Mach-Zehnder interferometer electro-optic switches using improved 3-D mode propagation analysis method

By introducing normalized mode excitation coefficient and total mode excitation coefficient, we improve the 3-D mode propagation analysis (MPA) method for convenient design and analysis of multimode interference (MMI) coupler. With the improved 3-D MPA method and point-matching method, we present a novel formulation technique to analyze the low- and high-frequency characteristics for the impedance-matched polymer Mach-Zehnder interferometer electro-optic (EO) switch based on MMI couplers. As an application, under 1550 nm, optimization and simulation performed for the designed device reveal low driving voltage of 1.375 V with short EO region length of 5 mm. The insertion loss and extinction ratio are less than 3.75 dB and more than 42 dB, respectively. The microwave characteristic impedance is about 49.6 Ω, and due to the less mismatch between lightwave velocity and microwave velocity, the estimated cutoff switching frequency is up to 263 GHz with the 10–90% rise time and fall time about 1.90 ps under the operation of step-style square-wave switching signal. This theoretical cutoff switching frequency is almost 1.53 times of that of our previous reported shielded EO switch with similar design technique.     

Design of wide-spectrum polymer Mach-Zehnder interferometer electro-optic switches using two symmetric N-th order phase-generating couplers

To enlarge the output spectrum, a novel reasonable structure of one kind of Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) electro-optic (EO) switches containing two symmetric N-th order phase generating couplers (PGCs) is presented, and thorough model, analysis and design technique are proposed. A non-linear least square method is investigated for optimizing the PGC structure to eliminate the phase difference error caused by the wavelength variation. Under the central wavelength of 1550 nm, optimization and simulation are performed on three MZI EO switches using two first, second and third order PGCs, respectively. The switches exhibit a low switching voltage of 1.156 V with an active region length of 4 mm. The output spectrums covering the whole S-C-L bands are as wide as 320, 390 and more than 435 nm, respectively, the insertion loss are less than 5.57, 5.98 and 7.90 dB, respectively, and the crosstalk is less than −30 dB over the wide wavelength ranges, for the three designed switches. The design technique is supported to be feasible by the comparison with beam propagation method (BPM).     

Simulation and optimization of a polymer directional coupler electro-optic switch with push-pull electrodes

Structural model and design technique are proposed for a polymer directional coupler electro-optic switch with rib waveguides and push-pull electrodes, of which the electric field distribution is analyzed by the conformal transforming method and image method. In order to get the minimum mode loss and the minimum switching voltage, the parameters of the waveguide and electrode are optimized, such as the core with, core thickness, buffer layer between the core and the electrode, coupling gap between the waveguides, electrode thickness, electrode width and electrode gap. Switching Characteristics are analyzed, which include the output power, insertion loss, and crosstalk. To realize normal switching function, the fabrication error, spectrum shift, and coupling loss between a single mode fiber (SMF) and the waveguide are discussed. Simulation results show that the coupling length is 3082 μm, push-pull switching voltage is 2.14 V, insertion loss is less than 1.17 dB, and crosstalk is less than −30 dB for the designed device.     

Optimal design and analysis of a high-speed, low-voltage polymer Mach-Zehnder interferometer electro-optic switch

Detailed model, analysis and design technique are presented for simulating a high-speed polymer Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) electro-optic switch with push-pull dual driving electrodes and rib waveguides. The novel formulas of the time-domain response are derived. Thorough optimization and simulation for the designed device are performed. The total length of the basic function unit of the switch is about 5049 μm, the push-pull switching voltage is 2.23 V, the switching time is 18.1 ps, and the insertion loss and crosstalk are less than 2.64 and −30 dB, respectively, within the range of the operation wavelength from 1534 to 1566 nm. These results are in good agreement with those obtained from the beam propagation method (BPM).     

Microwave absorption properties of rod-shaped Co-Ni-P shells prepared by metallizing Bacillus

The rod-shaped Co-Ni-P shells were prepared by metalling Bacillus. The microstructures and composition of the shells were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive analysis (EDS). The electromagnetic parameters were measured by the coaxial line method in the frequency of 2-18 GHz. It was found that the Bacillus were successfully coated with Co-Ni-P, and the inner structure of the shells are hollow in structure. The shells exhibit excellent microwave absorption properties in 5-17 GHz frequency. The microwave reflection loss is above −10 dB in 5.38-16.6 GHz frequency. The maximum microwave reflection loss reaches −35.83 dB at 9.12 GHz for samples thickness 2.4 mm, and the widest bandwidth for microwave reflection loss above −10 dB is about ∼5.32 GHz for samples thickness 2.0 mm. These results confirm the feasibility of applying Bacillus as biotemplates for fabrication of the metallic shells as lightweight microwave absorption materials are very promising for applications.     

γ-MnO2/polyaniline composites: Preparation, characterization, and applications in microwave absorption

MnO₂/doped polyaniline (PANI) is prepared by an in situ polymerization method using γ-MnO₂ as the addition agent and hydrochloric acid as the doping agent. Products are characterized by FT-IR, UV-vis, XRD, and TEM. Conductivity, electromagnetic properties, and microwave absorption properties are first discussed on the basis of structural characterization. The as-prepared products of MnO₂/PANI are partially crystalline in nature and spherical in pattern with grain sizes of 50-70 nm. MnO₂ particles are successfully decorated with doped PANI. MnO₂/PANI displays moderate electric conduction, excellent dielectric losses, and microwave absorption capabilities. Compared to pure MnO₂, the dielectric and reflection loss properties of MnO₂/PANI composites exhibit significant improvements, with an effective absorption band at 5 GHz under −10 dB and maximum reflection loss of −21 dB at 13.56 GHz. Pure MnO₂ shows an effective absorption band of 3 GHz under −10 dB and a maximum reflection loss of −14.20 dB at 11.5 GHz. Thus, MnO₂/PANI composites are found to be a promising microwave absorption material.     

Enhanced microwave absorption in ZnO/carbonyl iron nano-composites by coating dielectric material

The microwave absorption properties of zinc oxide/carbonyl iron composite nanoparticles fabricated by high energy ball milling were studied at 0-20 GHz. Experiments showed that ZnO as a kind of dielectric material coating carbonyl iron particles made the bandwidth of reflection loss (RL)<−5 dB expanding to the low frequency, and enhanced absorption effect obviously. For a 3 mm thickness absorber of ZnO/carbonyl iron after 30 h milling, the values of RL<−5 dB and RL<−8 dB were obtained in the frequency range from 7.0 GHz to 17.8 GHz and from 9.8 dB to 14.9 dB, respectively, and its strongest RL peak was −29.34 dB at 13.59 GHz. The magnetic loss of carbonyl iron particles and the dielectric loss of ZnO particles were the main mechanisms of microwave absorption for the composites.     

Photonic microwave reconfigurable filter based on a tunable polymeric ring resonator

An integrated photonic microwave reconfigurable filter was proposed and realized incorporating a tunable polymeric ring resonator. Its passband could be shaped electrically by shifting the resonant peaks of the resonator via the thermo-optic effect. As for the achieved performance, the center frequency was 20 GHz, the extinction ratio ∼15 dB, the bandwidth 2 GHz, and the corresponding quality factor 10. The microwave output within the passband was varied efficiently by ∼27 dB with the rate of ∼6.7 dB/mW, while the wavelength tuning rate of the resonator was −0.02 nm/mW.     

Fabrication and electromagnetic performance of micro-tubular nanocomposites composed of monodisperse iron nanoparticles and carbon

Low density and thin thickness are essential for electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbers. In this study, we fabricated a novel micro-tubular iron nanocomposite (MTIC) that composed of carbon microtubes and monodisperse iron nanoparticles (NPs). The bulk density of MTIC is only 0.35±0.04 g cm⁻³ due to its micro-tubular structure. The presence of iron NPs increased the magnetic loss significantly and therefore enhanced the reflection loss (RL) of MTIC/paraffin composite. The optimum thickness for the composite is 1.5-1.8 mm, with maximum bandwidth of 7.6 GHz for RL<−5 dB and 3.6 GHz for RL<−10 dB. The corresponding frequency at this thickness is 10-18 GHz. Because of low density and broad bandwidth at thin thickness, MTIC is a promising light-weight absorber for EM wave absorption or microwave shielding. This study will also provide new ideas for fabricating microwave absorbers with low density and thin thickness.     

Analysis of polymer electro-optic microring resonator switches

The structure and the principle for the polymer electro-optic microring resonator (MRR) switch are proposed as well as the transfer functions. The structural parameters are optimized; the transmission characteristics are analyzed including the output power, switching time, switching voltage, insertion loss, and crosstalk. When the operation voltage is 0 V, the insertion loss and crosstalk are ∼1.2 and −20.2 dB, respectively; when the operation voltage is 10.0 V, those are ∼0.35 and −20.0 dB, respectively. Furthermore, a novel method is presented for analyzing time-domain response of the device and the switching time is determined to be ∼10.71 ps. These results indicate the favorable switching functions of the designed device.     

Microwave absorption properties of one thin sheet employing carbonyl-iron powder and chlorinated polyethylene

To solve more and more serious electromagnetic interference problem, one thin microwave absorbing sheet employing carbonyl-iron powder (CIP) and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) was prepared. The pattern, static magnetic properties and phase of CIP were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The electromagnetic parameters of CIP were measured in the frequency range of 2-18 GHz, and the electromagnetic loss mechanisms of the powder were discussed. The microwave absorption properties of composite sheets with different thicknesses and CIP ratios in matrix were investigated by measuring reflection loss (RL) in 2-18 GHz frequency range using the arch method. The results showed that appropriate CIP content and thickness could greatly improve microwave absorption properties in lower frequency range. For the sample with the weight ratio (CIP:CPE) of 16:1 and 1.5 mm thickness, the bandwidth (RL below −10 dB) achieved 1.1 GHz (2-3.1 GHz), and the minimum reflection loss value was obtained −13.2 dB at 2.2 GHz. This suggested that CIP/CPE composites could be applied as thin microwave absorbers in S-band (2-4 GHz).     

Microwave absorption properties of Sr2FeMoO6 nanoparticles

The microwave absorption properties of nanosized double perovskite Sr₂FeMoO₆ and epoxy resin composites were investigated in the frequency range of 2-18 GHz using the coaxial method. The Sr₂FeMoO₆ composites with an optimal 20 wt% epoxy resin showed a strong electromagnetic attenuation of −49.3 dB at 8.58 GHz with a matching thickness of 2.15 mm. Moreover the optimum absorption frequency at which the reflection loss is less than −20 dB, which corresponds to 99% reflection loss of the incident microwave, is from 5.7 to 13.2 GHz with the matching thickness ranging from 3.0 to 1.5 mm. The excellent microwave-absorption properties are a consequence of a proper electromagnetic match due to the existence of the insulating matrix of anti-site defects and anti-phase domains, which not only contribute to the dielectric loss but also to the reduced eddy current loss.     

Optimization of electromagnetic matching of carbonyl iron/BaTiO3 composites for microwave absorption

Microwave absorbing materials filled with BaTiO₃ and carbonyl iron (CI) particles with various weight fractions (BaTiO₃/CI particles=100/0 to 0/100) are investigated. The dielectric and magnetic properties of the absorbers can be tuned by changing the weight ratio of BaTiO₃/CI particles in the frequency range of 2-18 GHz. Numerical simulations are also performed to design a single-layer and double-layer absorber. The minimum reflection loss of the composite filled with 20 wt% BaTiO₃ and 60 wt% CI particles at 2.0 mm thickness can be reached to −42 dB at 4.1 GHz. With the weight ratio of CI particles in the composite increased, the microwave absorption peak shifted to the lower frequency region. By using a double-layer absorber structure, the microwave absorption performance of the absorber is enhanced. The result shows that the total thickness of the absorber can be reduced below 1.4 mm by using a matching layer filled with 50 wt% BaTiO₃, and an absorption layer filled with 60 wt% BaTiO₃ and 20 wt% CI particles, whereas the reflection loss below −10 dB can be obtained in the frequency range of 10.8-14.8 GHz and the minimum reflection loss of −59 dB can be obtained at 12.5 GHz.     

Electromagnetic and microwave absorption properties of Fe3O4 magnetic films plated on hollow glass spheres

Magnetic hollow spheres of low density were prepared by plating Fe₃O₄ magnetic films on hollow glass spheres using ferrite plating. The complex permeability and permittivity of spheres–wax composites were measured in the range of 2–18 GHz. The complex permeability and permittivity increased, and the dielectric and magnetic losses were improved as the volume fraction of the magnetic spheres in the composites increased from 60% to 80%, which also resulted in a great improvement of microwave absorption properties. For composites with volume fraction 80%, its magnetic resonance frequency was at about 13 GHz and it appeared three loss peaks in the calculated reflection loss curves; the bandwidth less than −10 dB was almost 4 GHz which was just in the Ku-band frequencies (12–18 GHz) and a minimum reflection loss of −20 dB was obtained when the thickness was 2.6 mm; the microwave absorbing properties were mainly due to the magnetic loss. The results showed that the magnetic spheres composites were good and light microwave absorbers in the Ku-band frequencies.     

Tunable negative index metamaterial using yttrium iron garnet

A magnetic field tunable, broadband, low-loss, negative refractive index metamaterial is fabricated using yttrium iron garnet (YIG) and a periodic array of copper wires. The tunability is demonstrated from 18 to 23 GHz under an applied magnetic field with a figure of merit of 4.2 GHz/kOe. The tuning bandwidth is measured to be 5 GHz compared to 0.9 GHz for fixed field. We measure a minimum insertion loss of 4 dB (or 5.7 dB/cm) at 22.3 GHz. The measured negative refractive index bandwidth is 0.9 GHz compared to 0.5 GHz calculated by the transfer function matrix theory and 1 GHz calculated by finite element simulation.     

Design of a RF window for 170 GHz, 1 MW gyrotron for ECRH application

This paper describes the design of a large sized diamond window for 1 MW, 170 GHz gyrotron. The diameter and the thickness of the diamond window are 80 mm and 1.482 mm, respectively, whose edge is directly cooled by water. The CST microwave studio has been used for the S-parameter, and finite element analysis code ANSYS has been used for the thermal and the structural simulation. The return loss (S₁₁) and insertion loss (S₂₁) of the 170 GHz gyrotron window have been found −39.80 dB and −0.011 dB, respectively. The thermal and structural analysis of RF window the 397 K temperature at disk center and maximum displacement 0.01 mm has been found in the window disk during the thermal analysis.     

Only Ku-band microwave absorption by Fe3O4/ferrocenyl-CuPc hybrid nanospheres

A novel kind of hybrid nanospheres made of Fe₃O₄ and ferrocenyl-CuPc (FCP) was prepared via effective solvothermal method and performed microwave absorptivity only in Ku-band with minimum reflection loss of −25 dB at 16.0 GHz corresponding to absorbing about 99.7% content of microwave. Scanning electron microscopy images indicated that the nanospheres with uniform particle size distribution have the average diameter of 135 nm. Due to the synergistic reaction between magnetic ferrocenyl-CuPc and Fe₃O₄, the hybrid nanospheres showed novel electromagnetic properties. The real part of complex permittivity of hybrid nanospheres remains stable in the range of 0.5–12.0 GHz and has a large fluctuation at 16.5 GHz. Moreover, the dielectric loss of hybrid nanospheres also appeared a sharp peak at 16.3 GHz with the value of 2.7. The specific gravity of hybrid nanospheres is about 2.08. On the basis of these results, the novel hybrids are believed to have potential applications in the microwave absorbing area in Ku-band.