From optimization to dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) application of YIG: Synthesis approach

The efficacy of yttrium iron garnet (YIG) as magneto-dielectric ceramic, depends heavily on its purity. The presence of undesirable phase(s) such as yttrium iron perovskite (YIP) has led to performance deterioration, which is critical especially in wireless communication devices. This work presents the use of an ANOVA-statistical approach to improve and optimize the YIG's purity. Effects of particle sizes (5, 50 and 100 μm), reactant concentration (excess Fe2O3 in standard YIG formulation - 0, 10, and 20 wt%), and formation temperatures (1150, 1200, and 1250 °C), on the purity of YIG were investigated. The results indicated that the obtained statistical model adequately represented the experimental data, as reflected in the 3D contour plot. It was also discovered that the concentration of Fe2O3 reactant (up to 8 wt%) and formation temperature (1240 °C), significantly affects the formation of high-purity YIG while variation of the reactant's particle sizes is seen insignificant. Finally, a possible application of the optimized YIG (OPYIG) in dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) application is demonstrated. It was found that OPYIG was resonating at 12.50 GHz with a stable and bi-directional radiation pattern. This optimization process is successfully produced 99.2% YIG and could be suitable for DRA application.