Exploration of lead-free composition materials for tunable filter applications
Mentor: Professor Amar Bhalla
The ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of tunable materials BST (Barium Strontium Titanate) and BZT (Barium Zirconium
Titanate) are of high interest because of their potential application in novel communications technologies. The changes in the materials’ dielectric
constant and loss, remnant polarization, and hysteresis
loops will be studied, by varying the applied electric field and temperature (13K to 293K). The aim of the research is to establish a high figure of
merit, lead free perovskite compound. (Lead free perovskite compounds are in high demand due to the negative impact of lead on the
environment.)
We seek to develop and improve the usefulness of (BaSr)TiO3-BST and Ba(ZrTi)O3-BZT for use in components and subsystems for
communications and other related applications that utilize the field variable properties of paraelectrics, ferrites, or other materials. These
materials can potentially play a central role in the development of tunable RF filters, which allow the ability to tune the bandwidth and frequency
of RF filters and antennas. Continuously variable phase shifting for use in RF receivers and antennas is another example of the many applications
made possible by these special materials.