Project Title:

High-Temperature Superconductors in Monolithic Microwave and Millimeter-Wave Integrated

08.18-6642
High-Temperature Superconductors in Monolithic
	Microwave and Millimeter-Wave Integrated
		Circuits
Microwave Monolithics Inc.
465 East Easy Street, Unit F
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Daniel P. Siu  (805-584-6642)
JPL -- NAS7-1011

Abstract:

	 Due to finite resistive circuit losses, many potentially useful microwave integrated
circuit (MIC) and monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) system components
have not been successfully implemented or even seriously considered. Recent discovery
of high-temperature superconductivity (HTSC) in a number of ceramic materials with
critical temperatures above the boiling point of nitrogen (77 K) promises to eliminate
this restriction.
	The six-month Phase I project evaluated the current and projected strengths and
weaknesses of this rapidly emerging HTSC technology from a circuit-applications viewpoint.
It identified a parallel development path whereby applications research need not
be delayed while waiting for maturation of the extensive underlying materials research
efforts around the world. This interim "laminated substrate" approach to HTSC integrated
circuits is fully compatible with yet-to-be-developed, thin-film HTSC techniques
which can be inserted at low risk as they become available.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Application: Use of high-temperature superconductors in monolithic
microwave and millimeter-wave integrated circuits will create a new era in high performance
and versatility for important NASA systems and other applications.