HIGH TEMPERATURE SUPERCONDUCTIVE FILM

The problem of reduction of insertion loss and consequently improvement in Q-factor, and Noise figure of microwave components has history of thin-film HTS applications resulted in development of planar HTS components. Combined with advances in electromagnetic simulation techniques, this approach paves the way for creating superconducting waveguide components, traditionally used for microwave engineering when high power, low loss applications required. Their unique features can be enhanced and developed via application of HTS thick film technology. Recent developments open attractive possibility to avoid the cost penalty and technological limitations associated with thin film HTS. In addition, 3D full-wave simulation advanced to the point when fast and accurate computation techniques exceeding the accuracy of precision CNC machining for certain geometries so that it is now possible to design ‘exact’ components, which do not require manual tuning. The elimination of tuning screws improves electrical performance as well as offers the possibility for the most cost-effective implementation of film HTS technology.

HTS thick films have attractive advantages comparing to thin films due to less demanding and much less costly processing, greater versatility and possibility to develop surfaces of considerable areas. HTS film can be applied on ceramic and metal 3D structures. CED has number of technological solutions for RF and microwave components including processing of HTS film on low-cost metal structures, for example HTS Front End. 

Superconducting properties of HTS thick films demonstrated in waveguide microwave filter prototype at 38 GHz, as well as in number of filter designs covering frequency range from 800MHz into mm waves. Measured values of Q-factor achieved by the filter prototype are estimated as greater than 20000