Novel Magnetic Nano Films and Devices for Millimeter Wave Communications

Colorado State University, Fort Collins CO

Investigators

Abstract

NSF ECCS Proposal #0725386 Novel Magnetic Nano Films and Devices for Millimeter Wave Communications Principal Investigator: Carl E. Patton Co-Principal Investigator: Mingzhong Wu The research objective is to use standing spin wave resonance (SSWR) in magnetic films to develop a new class of millimeter wave radar and signal processing devices that are compatible with monolithic integrated circuit technology. The program will use thin films with pinned surface spins that support SSWR modes across the film thickness. In very thin films, these modes give a large effective exchange field that shifts the corresponding FMR frequencies into the millimeter wave range. The target film materials will include ferrite films and high-magnetization metallic films, as well as multilayer structures. The films/structures will be produced by pulsed laser deposition, e-beam evaporation, and magnetron sputtering, and integrated into prototype devices such as circulators, isolators, notch filters, bandpass filters, phase shifters, and directional couplers. Intellectual merit: The fabrication of new nano films and structures will advance film deposition science and technology. The characterization work will advance the understanding of magnetic loss processes at millimeter wave frequencies. The device development will advance millimeter wave device physics and technology. The new devices will have a major impact in both commercial and defense technology arenas. Broader impacts: The impact on the fields of nano-materials technology and millimeter wave science and technology will be substantial. Underrepresented groups will be involved through the Colorado State University (CSU) diversity recruitment and retention program and the Army sponsored summer Research and Engineering Apprenticeship Program. Experiential learning at the K-12 level will be promoted through a partnership with the CSU Little Shop of Physics.