Elastic modulus study of gold thin film for use as an actuated membrane in a superconductive radio frequency (RF) MicroElectroMechanical (MEM) switch

Authors

Albert Bogozi, Florida International University

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Major/Program

Electrical Engineering

First Advisor's Name

Grover L. Larkins Jr.

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Yuriy A. Vlasov

Third Advisor's Name

Sakhrat Khizroev

Fourth Advisor's Name

Stephan L. Mintz

Date of Defense

11-23-2005

Abstract

The objective of this research was to find Young's elastic modulus for thin gold films at room and cryogenic temperatures based on the flexional model which has not been previously attempted. Electrical Sonnet simulations and numerical methods using Abacus for the mechanical responses were employed for this purpose. A RF MEM shunt switch was designed and a fabrication process developed in house. The switch is composed of a superconducting YBa₂Cu₃O₇ coplanar waveguide structure with an Au bridge membrane suspended above an area of the center conductor covered with BaTiO₃ dielectric. The Au membrane is actuated by the electrostatic attractive force acting between the transmission line and the membrane when voltage is applied. The value of the actuation force will greatly depend on the switch pull-down voltage and on the geometry and mechanical properties of the bridge material. Results show that the elastic modulus for Au thin film can be 484 times higher at cryogenic temperature than it is at room temperature.

Identifier

FI14051181

Recommended Citation

Bogozi, Albert, "Elastic modulus study of gold thin film for use as an actuated membrane in a superconductive radio frequency (RF) MicroElectroMechanical (MEM) switch" (2005). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1719.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/1719