ScAlN-on-SiC Ku-Band Solidly-Mounted Bidimensional Mode Resonators

Abstract

This letter reports on Solidly-Mounted Bidimensional Mode Resonators (S2MRs) exploiting a highly-optimized Sezawa mode in 30% Scandium-doped Aluminum Nitride (ScAlN) on Silicon Carbide (SiC) and operating near 16 GHz. Experimental results demonstrate mechanical quality factors (Qm) as high as 380, Bode quality factors (QBode) approaching 500, electromechanical coupling coefficients (kt2) of 4.5%, an overall Figure of Merit (FOM = Qm kt2) exceeding 17, and power handling greater than 20 dBm for devices closely matched to 50 ohms. To the best of the authors' knowledge, S2MRs exhibit the highest Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) among solidly mounted resonators in the Ku band, paving the way for the integration of nanoacoustic devices on fast substrates with high-power electronics, tailored for military and harsh-environment applications.