A novel compact ring dual-mode filter with adjustable second-passband for dual-band applications

In this letter, a novel compact ring dual-mode with adjustable second-passband for dual-band applications are presented. A ring resonator with two different geometric dimensions are derived and designed to have identical fundamental and the first higher-order resonant frequencies, and to establish appropriate couplings in the structure. Moreover, the proposed filter has smaller size as compared with the basic topology of stopband filters and stepped-impedance-resonator (SIR) filters. The measured filter performance is in good agreement with the simulated response.     

Influence of quantum capture and tunneling mechanisms on the dark current of bound-to-continuum quantum-well infrared photodetectors

We present a theoretical model for the dark current of bound-to-continuum quantum-well infrared photodetectors (QWIPs), by considering the field-induced mixing effect, tunneling rate and phonon scattering rate between bound and continuum states. Using this model, we can see clearly how these mechanisms significantly influence the Fermi levels of bound and continuum electrons, and thus, the dark current. Nonlinear temperature dependence of the dark current at low temperature is predicted and discussed in detail. The simulated dark currents exhibit good agreement with the experimental results, without use of parameter fitting techniques.     

A 12-36GHz PHEMT MMIC balanced frequency tripler

A novel configuration of balanced frequency InGaAs pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (PHEMT) monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) tripler is proposed. A resonant LC filter is used to eliminate the fundamental frequency and a phase delay line is employed to suppress the second harmonic. The separation of the independent phase shifters makes the tripler more compact and flexible. The conversion loss of the tripler operating from 12 to 36GHz is less than 9.4dB at 9-dBm input power. As compared to the third-harmonic frequency, the fundamental frequency is suppressed more than 21.4dB while for the second harmonic is more than 22.3dB at 36GHz.     

Thermal resistance analysis and validation of flip chip PBGA packages

This work proposes a finite element numerical methodology to predict the thermal resistance of both flip chip-plastic ball grid array (FC-PBGA) with a bare die and FC-PBGA with a metal cap. The 3D finite element model was initially constructed to simulate the thermal resistance of FC-PBGA. A thermal resistance experiment was performed to verify the FEM results, following the construction of specimens of FC-PBGA with a bare die and with an aluminum cap, using six-layered substrate. The verified finite element model was employed to determine the thermal resistance of FC-PBGA with a copper cap using four-layered and six-layered substrates. Experimental results demonstrated that FC-PBGA with a metal cap improves thermal performance by 35% over with a bare die. FC-PBGA with a copper cap slightly improves thermal performance from 2% to 2.8% over that of FC-PBGA with an aluminum cap. The thermal resistance of FC-PBGA with a four-layered substrate is reduced by 4.0% to 5.9% from that of FC-PBGA with a six-layered substrate, since the four-layered substrate contains less metal. The finite element numerical results negligibly differ from the experimental results by 6% to 8.1%. A finite element numerical methodology is here proposed to predict the thermal resistance of FC-PBGA. The methodology is effective in researching and developing new products or improving existing packages.     

Heavy metal capture and accumulation in bioretention media

Heavy metal capture and accumulation in bioretention media were investigated through the use of a one-dimensional filtration equation for particulate metals, advection/dispersion/adsorption transport equations for dissolved metals, and sequential extractions. Predicted spatial profiles and partitioning patterns of captured metals were compared to data derived from a bioretention cell in the District of Columbia. Zinc, lead, and copper profiles showed a high surface accumulation, significantly decreasing with the media depth. Surface street particle-enriched areas had the highest heavy metal levels, demonstrating a close relationship between capture of metals and runoff particles. Sequential extractions suggested that most captured metals were of anthropogenic origin. Soluble-exchangeable bound metals from the sequential extraction correlated well with predicted aqueous dissolved metals; the more strongly associated metal fractions correlated with modeled runoff and media particulate metals. A simple risk evaluation indicated thatlead isthe limiting metal in bioretention accumulation. On the basis of information collected in this study, a shallow bioretention cell design is suggested for systems with a focus on metal capture.     

Proton-exchanged wet etching of recessed-structure SAW filter

An improved method for fabricating recessed-structure surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters is reported. The relation between proton-exchanged duration and etched depth are studied, as well as the relation between internal reflection, etched depth, and thickness of the aluminum electrode. Experimental results show that the devices have superior performance, and ideas for further improvement of the fabricated SAW device are discussed.     

Contact and frictional behavior of rough surfaces using molecular dynamics combined with fractal theory

The microcontact behavior of a copper asperity on a diamond plate was carried out using a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation with the parallel algorithms atom decomposition method. The results show that the dynamic frictional force had an oscillated behavior when the flat diamond plane slipped through the copper asperity. The contact load, contact area, dynamic frictional force, and dynamic frictional coefficient increased as the contact interference increased at a constant loading velocity. The dynamic frictional force and dynamic frictional coefficient increased as the sliding velocity increased. Furthermore, the microcontact behavior can be evaluated between a rigid smooth flat plane and a rigid smooth hemisphere to a deformable rough flat plane by combining the deformed behavior of the asperity obtained from MD results and the fractal and statistic parameters.     

Effect of oxide additives on the low-temperature sintering of dielectrics (Zn,Mg)TiO3

The effect of oxide additives on the low-temperature sintering and dielectric properties of microwave dielectrics (Zn,Mg)TiO₃ have been investigated. The study showed that a small amount of V₂O₅ accelerated the densification rate of (Zn,Mg)TiO₃ dielectrics as compared with the other oxide additives. In addition to lower sintering temperature of zinc titanate dielectrics, the addition of V₂O₅ decreased the decomposition temperature of (Zn,Mg)TiO₃. Additionally, the increased amount of magnesium raised both the sintering temperature and the decomposition temperature of (Zn,Mg)TiO₃. Relative permittivity of (Zn,Mg)TiO₃ dielectrics decreased accompanied with increase of Q × f as the amount of magnesium content increased. The temperature coefficient of resonant frequency of (Zn,Mg)TiO₃ shifted to more negative values as the amount of magnesium increased.     

GaAs PIN electro-optic travelling-wave modulator at 1.3 ?m

A GaAs PIN travelling-wave modulator operated at 1.3 ?m has been fabricated from material grown by organometallic vapour phase epitaxy (OMVPE) on an n+ (100) GaAs substrate. The device has a constant V? of 8 V from DC to 10 GHz and an optical extinction ratio of 13 dB. The optical insertion loss of the device is 3.5 dB, and the 3 dB frequency bandwidth is measured to be 4.1 GHz, which is limited by the microwave slowing induced by the n+ substrate.