The essential role of gold in the fabrication of microwave electronics systems

Abstract

Microwave technology will be the cornerstone of 21st Century electronics. Microwave electronics systems differ radically from conventional silicon semiconductor technology, requiring specialist semiconductors, circuits and interconnects. Gallium arsenide and gallium nitride are advanced compound semiconductors that fulfil the first requirement. Gold and gold alloys have unique properties that are essential for integrating these components into functioning systems.