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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/J45480/01
Title: METHODS AND TOOLS FOR THE DESIGN OF OPTICALLY CONTROLLED MMICS
Principal Investigator: Gomes, Professor N
Other Investigators:
Jastrzebski, Mr A
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Sch of Engineering & Digital Arts
Organisation: University of Kent
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 November 1993 Ends: 30 April 1997 Value (£): 217,994
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Optoelect. Devices & Circuits
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The main objectives of the work are:1. The development of computer-aided design tools to enable the design of optically interfaced MMICs. The tools will include modelling and parameter extraction for devices, and mixed-mode optical/microwave simulation.2. The verification of the developed tools through the design of optically controlled and injection-locked MMIC oscillators and self-oscillating mixers.Progress:ModellingModels for the electronic and optoelectronic behaviour of all of the major MMIC component devices are currently being developed: these include MESFET, HEMT, Schottky diode and MSM diode models. The models are being developed initially in analytic form and then extended into a form suitable for integration into in-house microwave circuit simulators. Currently, verification of the MSM optoelectronic models is being carried out as test devices have been fabricated. Fuller verification for all devices is expected over the next few months from which publications should ensue. The work on parameter extraction techniques is due to start now.MMIC designsThe first fabrication run was used to obtain MSM diodes for testing purposes.The second fabrication run was used to produce the first circuit to be designed in the project: this was a tuneable 6.OGHz MMIC oscillator. The oscillators frequency is both electrically and optically tuneable. Optical tuning has been demonstrated by illuminating both the active device (MESFET) and the tuning element (varactor) with tuning ranges of over 50MHz obtainable. Modulated optical inputs were used to demonstrate frequency modulation of the oscillator with the modulation bandwidths achieved being wide enough to suggest applications in video distribution systems. A paper has been submitted to the European Microwave Conference based on the work carried out on the optical modulation of the MMIC oscillator. The design of an injection-locked HEMT oscillator has also been completed and currently delivery of the circuits is awaited.
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Organisation Website: http://www.kent.ac.uk