Title: Effects and characterisations of pulse electrodeposition parameters of silver in terms of scattering parameter and surface roughness for waveguides operating at high frequencies

Authors: Caner Başaran; İshak Karakaya

Addresses: Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey; ASELSAN A.Ş, REHIS Business Sector, Ankara, Turkey ' Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey

Abstract: The signal quality of antennas and waveguides in the transmission of electromagnetic waves are very much dependent on the surface finish of these devices. Effects of pulse parameters on the surface properties of silver coatings of the copper substrates have been analysed in terms of surface roughness and S-parameter (scattering parameter). The duty cycle, frequency and average current density were used as three pulse parameters. Three levels were selected for each parameter in the experimental design. The surface finish was found to be directly proportional to duty cycle and average current density but inversely proportional to frequency. The S11 scattering parameter observations were made relative to a gold-plated reference coupon. It was analysed that the smoother surface had more reflection power in terms of S11 parameter thus decreasing the loss of radiation.

Keywords: silver plating; pulse electrodeposition; morphology; grain size; scattering parameter; return loss.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSURFSE.2021.116326

International Journal of Surface Science and Engineering, 2021 Vol.15 No.2, pp.118 - 130

Received: 27 Aug 2020
Accepted: 15 Oct 2020
Published online: 20 Jul 2021 *

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