Recent Advances in Microwave Applications of Thin Ferroelectric Films at the NASA Glenn Research Center
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Recent Advances in Microwave Applications of Thin Ferroelectric Films at the NASA Glenn Research Center Robert R. Romanofsky1, Felix A. Miranda1, Fred W. Van Keuls2 and Matthew D. Valerio3 1 NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH 2 Ohio Aerospace Institute, Brookpark, OH 3 Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH ABSTRACT We report on recent developments in microwave applications and understanding of thin Ba50Sr50TiO3 films. Most of our recent efforts have focused on developing low loss, wide band phase shifters from X-band (8.4 GHz) to Ka-Band (26.5 GHz) for scanning reflectarray antennas. Attempts to reduce tanδ by Mn-doping Ba50Sr50TiO3 films are briefly discussed. We have demonstrated a hybrid device at X-band that produces in excess of 300 degrees of phase shift with about 3.5 dB insertion loss and greater that 10% bandwidth. Preliminary results are presented here. The effects of mild (600 rad Si) proton radiation on device performance will also be discussed. Preliminary results on optical phase shifters will be included. INTRODUCTION Possible space applications for microwave phased array antennas include any mission scenario benefiting from vibration-free or rapid (non-mechanical) beam steering. Examples could include precision interferometry involving cooperative spacecraft, Earth observation satellites in low Earth orbit, and lunar exploration initiatives requiring satellites in lunar polar orbits. Key technical challenges include mass, efficiency (power consumption and thermal issues), and cost. The NASA Glenn Research Center is developing a “reflectarray” to address those challenges. A scanning reflectarray consists of a flat surface with diameter D containing N integrated phase shifters and N patch radiators that is illuminated by a single feed at a virtual focus located a distance f from the surface such that f/D ≈1. If the phase shifters are to be integrated onto the radiating surface they must be very small (i.e.
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