Broadband RF material characterization to enable advanced 3D heterogeneous integration for low frequency to 6G applications

RF materials are widely used from low-frequency wireless data transmission to 5G /6G communication, satellite communication, and automotive radar systems, in which the RF material properties (loss tangent/dielectric constant) play an essential role. However, most material suppliers provide the dielectric properties only at DC or at a few discrete frequencies in the GHz range.

This research will focus on the broadband dielectric characterization of RF materials covering the entire frequency range between DC and 300 GHz. The thesis will include the following activities:

• Literature review and benchmarking of different dielectric characterization methods and test structures used by industry and research institutes;
• Development of broadband characterization techniques and methods up to 300 GHz;
• Modelling, design, and implementation of new test structures for optimized broadband RF characterization methods;
• Characterization of the RF properties of different materials using the developed test structures to determine their permittivity and dielectric loss tangent up to 300 GHz;