CVD diamond will be explored for high frequency bandpass filters in Phase I by producing an ultra-smooth diamond coating over an 8in. diamond silicon wafer. Current materials limit the frequency response of SAW devices requiring the use of a substrate with higher sonic velocity. Diamond has the highest known value enabling higher frequency (greater than 3GHz) devices to be obtained using an aluminum interdigital structure and an overlay of a piezoelectric material (e.g. ZnO) for electromechanical coupling. Prototype bandpass filters will be fabricated in Phase II. Applications for this technology are numerous since it provides ruggedized components for military and commercial (mobile) etzmunications. The most immediate use of this technology is RF bandpass filters for ruggedized military (satellite) communications, and the emerging commercial mobile communications market.
Keywords: Diamond, Communications Electronics
