Graphene-switchable Waveguides for High-frequency Applications
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB - Electronics Material and Systems Laboratory, MC2 |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 500 000 |
| Project duration | May 2020 - September 2022 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Strategic innovation program SIO Grafen |
| Call | SIO Grafen - Collaboration on commercial graphene applications, spring 2020 |
Important results from the project
To calculate the expected performance of the graphene ridge-gap waveguide switch, an electromagnetic simulation was performed. The simulation result specifies the operational resistivity of the graphene sheet for the waveguide switch to have an ON and OFF state. The switch structure was fabricated using micromachining technology. The fabrication process development addressed and solved critical fabrication issues, demonstrating the potential of graphene for high-frequency switching.
Expected long term effects
The simulation result show that the proposed concept is feasible. The fabrication development in this project in conjunction with published reports on existing graphene device performance indicate that it is worth to investigate further how to achieve and demonstrate a working switch. The electrically tuneable graphene switch which has no movable parts can circumvent the problems with conventional high-frequency switches.
Approach and implementation
The project was divided into 5 work packages 1) Project management and coordination between partners, 2) design and simulation of the waveguide, 3) device fabrication of the waveguide 4) Characterization of the switch 5) development of packaging solutions. WP1, WP2, WP3 were successfully completed. However, WP3 took longer than expected to complete. WP4 was carried out and was looping feedback to WP3 for enhancement of production development. Due to delays in WP4, WP5 remains incomplete.