Low dielectric losses and enhanced magnetic property of ErIG(x)/YIG(1−x) (x = 0.5) composite for antenna applications.

The composite of yttrium iron garnet (YIG) and erbium iron garnet (ErIG; i.e., ErIG(x)/YIG(1−x) (x = 0.5)) was prepared by facile mechanical blending method. X-ray diffraction study reveals the pure phase formation of YIG, ErIG and ErIG(x)/YIG(1−x). Field-emission scanning electron microscope micrographs were used to calculate grain size of the samples. Impedance analyser was used to study dielectric property of YIG, ErIG and ErIG(x)/YIG(1−x). The composite ErIG(x)/YIG(1−x) has larger values of dielectric constant and lower values of tangent losses ∼0.05 at 1 MHz. Calculated ac conductivity of ErIG(x)/YIG(1−x) composite is low, which implies its resistive nature. The value of coercivity (Hc) is lesser and value of magnetic saturation (Ms) is high for composite as compare to parent YIG and ErIG. The calculated value of microwave operating frequency (ωm) for composite was found to be 4.5 GHz. The good dielectric property, low dielectric losses and enhanced magnetic property of ErIG(x)/YIG(1−x) composite suggest a better option over parent garnet ferrites to be used in microwave devices such as dielectric antennas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]