Ceramics to 100 GHz: Including a novel free space dielectric measurement technique

Data are presented for transmission measurements on ceramic coplanar lines over the frequency range 50 MHz to 100 GHz. The data has been analysed to separate the loss due to the conductor and the loss due to the dielectric. The results of a novel technique to reduce surface losses by flash etching the surfaces of the conductors are also presented. In addition, a new free-space technique for measuring the loss tangent and relative permittivity of dielectric layers at high millimetre-wave frequencies is introduced.