In this module you will explore in detail the behaviour of electronic materials at high frequencies and consider the cutting-edge research and latest developments in our understating of the subject. The module will cover the fundamental physical properties at high frequencies of a range of novel electronic materials; the specific applications and enhanced performance arising from these materials; finite element modelling for high frequency problems (laboratory). You will look at the applications of these materials in electronics and in other disciplines and gain an understanding of the fundamentals of how high frequency fields interact with matter. 

LO1 Discuss the physical properties of a range of new electronic materials 

LO2 Explain the typical HF applications that result 

LO3 Evaluate new materials and compare advantages and disadvantages for electronic applications 

LO4 Interpret material properties and prioritise potential performance in electronic applications 

LO5 Derive device performance from material properties specifications 

The module will be delivered through a blend of interactive teaching sessions, guided study, and lab based tutorials and feedback sessions. 

The laboratory sessions consist of two parts. Each involves the use of finite element modelling software COMSOL for the evaluation of the high frequency dielectric properties of materials. 

Graduate attributes: ‘Independent and Critical Thinking’ are developed here. 

• Use electromagnetic theory to describe the high frequency behaviour of electronic materials 

• Perform calculations of the improved device performances based on the basic electronic material properties 

• Be aware of limitations imposed by new materials 

• Understand how functional electronic materials can enhance the performance of a range of engineering systems operating at high frequencies.  

2 comsol based courseworks exploring phenomena in dielectric and conducting materials will be assessed by in-lab demonstrations. 

CW3 is assessed by poster presentation, two short written reports. 

Coursework - 100% 

Coursework 1 [20%] 

This is assessed by an in-person ‘demonstration’ or ‘mini-viva’ in which students are expected to demonstrate the function of a working simulation and answer questions related to the theory and tasks of the coursework. Marking is against the marking sheet and assessment criteria given below. 

Feedback is given immediately and directly to students at the end of their assessments. 

Using COMSOL’s RF module, the students simulate a cylindrical conductor subject to an HF electromagnetic field. By plotting the field distributions at different frequencies, they are required to investigate the skin effect. 

This will assess LOs 1(P), 2(P), 4(P), 5(P) 

Coursework 2 [20%] 

This is assessed by an in-person ‘demonstration’ or ‘mini-viva’ in which students are expected to demonstrate the function of a working simulation and answer questions related to the theory and tasks of the coursework. Marking is against the marking sheet and assessment criteria given below. 

Feedback is given immediately and directly to students at the end of their assessments. 

Using COMSOL’s ACDC module, the students simulate a spherical object with finite permittivity subject to a (quasi-)static electric field. By plotting the field distributions students are required to investigate depolarisation and its consequences at high frequencies. 

This will assess LOs 1(P), 2(P), 4(P) 

Coursework 3 [60%] 

Part 3.1 is assessed by a poster presentation. Students are required to present a poster giving the results of their FEM investigations of a Split Post Dielectric Resonator (SPDR). 

Using COMSOL’s RF module, the students build the SPDR and carry out investigations of its structure and frequency of resonance. They then introduce materials for measurement and calibrate the simulated device. 

Part 3.2 is a market report detailing the transparent conductor market, competitor technologies and outlook. Using several sources, the students are required to make a recommendation for the technology to adopt, based upon material performance and market/economic environment. 

Part 3.2 Is a series of questions probing students’ understanding of semiconductors at high frequencies. 

Feedback is given with the marked coursework documents. 

This will assess LOs 1(P), 2(P), 3(P), 4(P), 5(P) 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

There is a potential for re-assessment in this module which may result in a 100% written assessment covering all elements of the module mapped to all module learning outcomes during the August Resit period. 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

High Frequency Properties of Metals: free electron model for metals, electrical conductivity, dynamic response of the free electron gas, classical skin effect, surface impedance, HF transmission lines, metamaterials 
 
High Frequency Properties of Superconductors: basic properties and materials, London equations, magnetic penetration depth, two fluid model and complex conductivity, surface impedance 
 
Microwave applications of HF materials: transmission line parameters, thin film deposition methods, delay lines, bandpass filters, nonlinear effects 
 
HF Properties of Dielectrics: Polarisation, geometry effects, dielectric loss and loss tangent, EM wave propagation 
 
High Frequency Applications of Dielectrics: low loss substrates for HF circuits, low loss materials for dielectric resonators (DRs), radar absorbing materials (RAMs), Debye model for polar liquids, microwave heating of polar liquids, ferroelectric materials and their HF applications 
 
High frequency materials characterisation techniques (laboratory) 
 
Semiconductors at high frequencies