Intrinsic Dielectric Loss in Zr0.8Sn0.2TiO4 Ceramics Investigated by Terahertz Time Domain Spectroscopy

Abstract

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) was employed for estimation of intrinsic dielectric loss of Zr0.8Sn0.2TiO4 (ZST) ceramics. Single-phase ZST dielectric resonators (DRs) with various synthesis parameters and, consequently, different extrinsic losses, were prepared by conventional ceramic technology. Even though the DRs exhibit a similar microstructure, their quality factor (Q is the inverse of dielectric loss tangent) measured in microwave (MW) domain at 6 GHz varies between 2500 and 8400. On the other hand, it was found that the THz dielectric loss is less sensitive to the sample preparation. The intrinsic losses (Q × f ~60 THz) of the ZST ceramics have been derived from THz data.

Microwave and Terahertz Properties of Spark-Plasma-Sintered Zr0.8Sn0.2TiO4 Ceramics

“…This dependence proves that the extrinsic losses are reduced in the MMW and THz regions. The intrinsic losses ( Q × f ~ 60 THz) of the ZST samples, which were derived by using THz-TDS, are in good agreement with the data reported previously [ 9 , 33 , 38 ].…”

“…Due to the increase in and the decrease in Q with an increase in the frequency, the Q × f product is used more frequently than the or Q in order to describe the dielectric loss of a material. However, in practical cases, due to the presence of the losses induced by defects, the Q × f product increases with an increase in the frequency [ 9 , 11 , 33 , 39 ] and reaches a steady level in millimeter waves (MMWs) [ 40 ], which corresponds to the intrinsic losses. We may conclude that, at very high frequencies, the extrinsic losses become negligible and the material exhibits mainly intrinsic losses.…”

“…In this work, to the best of our knowledge, the MW properties of ZST ceramics fabricated by SPS are presented for the first time. High values of the Q × f product ( Q is the inverse of the dielectric loss tangent and f is the measurement frequency) from MW to THz were achieved for ZST DRs fabricated by conventional sintering [ 18 , 33 ]. These promising results motivated the current study, namely fabrication by SPS and characterization of high-density ZST with the aim of low dielectric loss, and a comparative analysis between the dielectric MW and THz properties.…”

The latest process and challenges of microwave dielectric ceramics based on pseudo phase diagrams

“…Microwave dielectric properties of ErNbO 4 prepared by sol-gel method were reported by Devesa et al [198], and the grain size varied from 31.27 to 86.65 µm and 40.96 to 78.23 µm by Rietveld refinement and Sherrer's formula, respectively. ZrTiO 4 followed the general formula of ABO 4 , and the intrinsic dielectric loss of Zr 0.8 Sn 0.2 TiO 4 was investigated by THz time domain spectroscopy [199].…”