Radio-Frequency Conductivity Evaluation Method Based on Surface/Interface Scattering of Metallic Coatings

Developing non-destructive evaluation methods for the radio frequency (RF) conductivity of conductive coatings can accelerate the performance evaluation and development of wireless communication devices. By using a split-resonator cavity to compare 800 nm copper/graphite and 1000 nm copper/graphite, we found that the RF conductivity increased by 45.5% and 82.7%, respectively, from 15 GHz to 40 GHz (pure copper was −7.2%), indicating that the bulk materials analysis method is not suitable for coating materials. Combined with electromagnetic wave theory, we believe that the critical factor lies in the additional losses of the electromagnetic waves at the copper/graphite interface and substrate. Based on the skin depth theory, the concept of triple skin depth is proposed to calculate the power loss of copper/graphite at different frequencies, considering rough Peff (including the power loss of the rough surface, copper coatings, copper/graphite interface, and graphite) compared with smooth pure copper Pc. Combined with the relationship between RF conductivity and electromagnetic wave power loss, the conductivity of copper coatings σCu at different frequencies is obtained by analyzing the measured σeff. Compared with the roughness model, the calculation error decreased from 30% to below 7%. Our study provides a theoretical basis for the regulation of the RF conductivity of metal coatings at different frequencies.