Abstract: A multicomponent film on a substrate can be annealed at higher temperatures in oxygen by using a specifically designed annealing vessel. The vessel is formed of a multicomponent material which has at least all of the components of the first multicomponent material of the film or, in the case where there are nonvolatile components, then the vessel is formed of a second multicomponent material which has at least the same composition of relatively volatile components as the first multicomponent film. As the multicomponent film is annealed for a sufficient time within the vessel the multicomponent film remains in contact with a vapor of the first multicomponent material and the vessel material. This process called bomb annealing prevents loss of volatile components from the film and roughening of the film surface and leads to films with lower dielectric loss. Preferred thin film materials are ferroelectric materials although any material could be used.

Abstract: An electromagnetic resonator and a frequency filter. The resonator is composed of an electromagnetic waveguiding structure which is twisted along its axis while being bent back and the two ends connected smoothly to provide a smooth path to the electromagnetic wave, the twist providing additional phase shift to facilitate a resonant condition in a smaller volume. The filter includes one or more coupled resonators which are coupled in a controlled fashion to an external circuit to realize a desired frequency selectivity.

Abstract: Highly sensitive infrared detectors can be made from superconducting micrrip transmission lines, having a single ground plane, a dielectric substrate on the ground plane, and a thin film path of superconducting oxide on the substrate. These microstrip transmission lines can be fabricated into resonant or non-resonant structures. The detectors operate by detecting changes in a microwave signal transmitted through the microstrip, measures in the amplitude, frequency or time domains. An embodiment of this invention is an asymmetric ring interferometer, with or without a metal segment in the shorter leg of the interferometer. Another embodiment of this invention is a meander path transmission line, which, in certain configurations, may be used as a single element array with very high resolution in the direction parallel to the meander lines.

Abstract: A method of constructing ultra-low-loss miniaturized microstrip type microwave transmission lines, circuits, and resonators and their resulting structures are disclosed. The method includes etching a groove of the appropriate width and depth into the surface of a first substrate as determined by a preselected characteristic impedance. Appropriate thin film superconductors are then deposited on the surfaces of the first substrate and a second substrate. The thin film superconductors are then patterned after which the two substrates are sealed together by field-assisted thermal bonding such that a novel two-conductor electromagnetic transmission line results.