Rapid RF Switching Conducting Polymers

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to further develop its conductive polymer (CP) ink jet printing technology for application to microwave shutter construction. The working electrode switchable polymer element of microwave shutters is typicallydeposited using electrochemical techniques which produces a coating that has poor uniformity resulting in less than optimum transmission loss, contrast and switching speed. Using PSI technology developed for the fabrication of chemical sensors, an inkjetprinted interdigital deposition of CP can be produced with exceptional uniformity and edge definition. The counter electrode and polymer electrolyte can also be applied using the ink jet technology, providing a complete, scalable manufacturing solution tothe current microwave shutter construction difficulties. Additionally, PSI's experience with high performance materials will result in a package with environmentally stable construction. On the proposed Phase I program, PSI will demonstrate enhancedsingle electrode performance. On a Phase I Option, PSI will construct a solid state RF shutter using the material developed on Phase I. The ink jet printing of CP has been extensively described as an emerging method for fabricating circuit boards,inexpensive electronic circuits, and flat panel displays. This program would further develop both the ink jet printing technology and the CP materials required for advanced applications.