WavesLaB awarded with ERC-2023-POC partnering with ICMAB (Project Coordinator)
Piezomagnetic ferrites for self-biased non-reciprocal millimeter wave devices The relentless demand to increase data rates, data traffic and connected devices in our mobile communications have prompted a paradigm shift in wireless technology. 5G and the forthcoming 6G will use mm-waves and miniaturized antenna systems that will need to be low-cost and energetically efficient. An unresolved challenge of this transition is the miniaturization of passive ferrite-based non-reciprocal devices above 100 GHz, for which bulky external magnets are required. Pi4NoRM envisions an on-chip integration of miniaturized self-biased non-reciprocal magnetic components for the forecasted 6G evolution. Those passive devices are major components fulfilling three important functions within RF systems: decoupling of amplifiers, protection of the systems against mismatched impedances or electromagnetic aggression and enabling the Full-Duplex operation of antennas Pi4NorM aims at filling the gap between materials science and mm-wave engineering to develop sub-THz, ultra-compact, self-biased non-reciprocal elements based on ε-Fe2O3. The first objective of the project will be optimizing a new upscalable synthesis and the processing of sintered magnetized parts, taking advantage of the piezomagnetism of ε-Fe2O3. The performance of the sintered parts will be assessed in the G-band with Y-junction wave-guide circulators to be then integrated into proof of concept planar microstrip circulators. The success of Pi4NoRM would be a breakthrough that could open an expansive roadmap of innovation toward more capable RF systems and radar. For this reason, a strategic transfer strategy is also implemented in Pi4NoRM.