Preparation and characterization of doped LiZn0.92Cu0.08PO4 ceramic for microwave and millimeter-wave substrates

Purpose This paper aims to report on fabrication procedure and presents microstructure and dielectric behaviour of LiZn0.92Cu0.08PO4 ceramic material with Li2CO3 as a sintering aid. Design/methodology/approach Substrates based on LiZn0.92Cu0.08PO4 with Li2CO3 addition were prepared via solid-state synthesis, doping, milling, pressing and sintering. Characterization of the composition, microstructure and dielectric properties was performed using X-ray diffractometry, energy dispersive spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, impedance spectroscopy in the 100 Hz to 2 MHz range and time-domain spectroscopy in the 0.1–3 THz range. Findings Doped LiZnPO4 ceramic, which exhibits a low dielectric constant of 5.9 at 1 THz and low sintering temperature of 800 °C, suitable for low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) technology, was successfully prepared. However, further studies are needed to lower dielectric losses by optimising the doping level, synthesis and sintering conditions. Originality/value Search for new low dielectric constant materials applicable in LTCC technology and optimization of processing are essential tasks for developing modern microwave circuits. The dielectric characterization of doped LiZnPO4 ceramic in the terahertz range, which was performed for the first time, is crucial for potential millimetre-wave applications of this substrate material.