Control of Microwave Circulation Using Unbiased Ferromagnetic Nanowires Arrays

Abstract

Unbiased ferromagnetic nanowires arrays were used to conceive and fabricate planar microwave circulators working at dedicated frequencies in the X-band (8-12 GHz) for airborne applications. We investigated the dependence of the microwave behavior to the nanowires length with the fabrication of four circulators based on NiFe nanowires arrays having different nanowires lengths and found that it is possible to control precisely the circulation frequency. We also proceeded to a numerical optimization of the devices parameters (nanowires nature, quality of alumina membrane and geometrical dimensions). Numerical resulting performances meet the commercial standard requirements and confirm the high potential of the nanowired substrates for on-board systems in aerospace applications.