An active interferometric method for extreme impedance on-wafer device measurements

Nano-scale devices and high-power transistors present extreme impedances, which are far removed from the 50-Ω reference impedance of conventional test equipment, resulting in a reduction in the measurement sensitivity as compared with impedances close to the reference impedance. This letter describes a novel method based on active interferometry to increase the measurement sensitivity of a vector network analyzer for measuring such extreme impedances, using only a single coupler. The theory of the method is explained with supporting simulation. An interferometry-based method is demonstrated for the first time with on-wafer measurements, resulting in an improved measurement sensitivity for extreme impedance device characterization of up to 9%

Microwave Properties of 2D CMOS Compatible Co-Planar Waveguides Made from Phosphorus Dopant Monolayers in Silicon

Low-dimensional microwave interconnects have important applications for nanoscale electronics, from complementary metal–oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) to silicon quantum technologies. Graphene is naturally nanoscale and has already demonstrated attractive electronic properties, however its application to electronics is limited by available fabrication techniques and CMOS incompatibility. Here, the characteristics of transmission lines made from silicon doped with phosphorus are investigated using phosphine monolayer doping. S-parameter measurements are performed between 4–26 GHz from room temperature down to 4.5 K. At 20 GHz, the measured monolayer transmission line characteristics consist of an attenuation constant of 40 dB mm−1 and a characteristic impedance of 600 Ω. The results indicate that Si:P monolayers are a viable candidate for microwave transmission and that they have a.c. properties similar to graphene, with the additional benefit of extremely precise, reliable, stable, and inherently CMOS compatible fabrication

Characteristics of general practice care: What do senior citizens value? A qualitative study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In view of the increasing number of senior citizens in our society who are likely to consult their GP with age-related health problems, it is important to identify and understand the preferences of this group in relation to the non-medical attributes of GP care. The aim of this study is to improve our understanding about preferences of this group of patients in relation to non-medical attributes of primary health care. This may help to develop strategies to improve the quality of care that senior citizens receive from their GP.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Semi-structured interviews (N = 13) with senior citizens (65-91 years) in a judgement sample were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The analysis was conducted according to qualitative research methodology and the frame work method.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Continuity of care providers, i.e. GP and practice nurses, GPs' expertise, trust, free choice of GP and a kind open attitude were highly valued. Accessibility by phone did not meet the expectations of the interviewees. The interviewees had difficulties with the GP out-of-office hours services. Spontaneous home visits were appreciated by some, but rejected by others. They preferred to receive verbal information rather than collecting information from leaflets. Distance to the practice and continuity of caregiver seemed to conflict for respondents.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Preferences change in the process of ageing and growing health problems. GPs and their co-workers should be also aware of the changing needs of the elderly regarding non-medical attributes of GP care. Meeting their needs regarding non-medical attributes of primary health care is important to improve the quality of care.</p

Solution-Processed InAs Nanowire Transistors as Microwave Switches

The feasibility of using self?assembled InAs nanowire bottom?gated field?effect transistors as radio?frequency and microwave switches by direct integration into a transmission line is demonstrated. This proof of concept is demonstrated as a coplanar waveguide (CPW) microwave transmission line, where the nanowires function as a tunable impedance in the CPW through gate biasing. The key to this switching capability is the high?performance, low impedance InAs nanowire transistor behavior with field?effect mobility of ?300 cm2 V?1 s?1, on/off ratio of 103, and resistance modulation from only 50 ? in the full accumulation mode, to ?50 k? when the nanowires are depleted of charge carriers. The gate biasing of the nanowires within the CPW results in a switching behavior, exhibited by a ?10 dB change in the transmission coefficient, S21, between the on/off switching states, over 5–33 GHz. This frequency range covers both the microwave and millimeter?wave bands dedicated to Internet of things and 5G applications. Demonstration of these switches creates opportunities for a new class of devices for microwave applications based on solution?processed semiconducting nanowires

Short Printed-Circuit Couplers and Vias

grantor: University of TorontoThe L-type coupler provides a means to overcome the problems associated with conductive attachments to transmission lines. These attachments produce excessive frequency-dependent line loading and consequent distortion when used to transmit fast transient signals. Analyses of the coupler and its vertical feeds were carried out using the method of moments in the frequency domain, and time-domain responses were computed using the frequency-domain data together with the fast Fourier transform. Frequency-domain measurements agree with the coupler analyses. An optimal L-type coupler concept was developed that minimizes reflections. In experiments on stripline devices, parallel-plate resonant modes were found to be excited by the vertical feeds and to produce significant effects. A study was done of vias used to interconnect transmission lines on opposite sides of a circuit board. Optimal via dimensions were found, and equivalent circuits were constructed employing transmission-line and lumped-circuit elements.M.A.Sc