High frequency behaviour of copper

In summary, the conversation discusses whether copper can behave as a dielectric in high frequencies. The topic was approached through the concepts of loss tangent, relative permittivity, and skin depth. The participants also discussed how copper is commonly used in communication purposes, with frequencies up to 100 GHz. The conversation also mentions that metals can act like dielectrics above the plasma frequency, which is in the PHz range. They also mention that commercial devices above 40 GHz commonly use copper PCB tracks and waveguides. Additionally, they mention that reliable sources to read about the relative permittivity of metals include the internet and Wikipedia.
  • #1
debajyoti datta
35
3
Will copper behave as a dielectric in high frequencies?...I tried to answer the question with loss tangent but relative permittivity of copper posed a problem...everyone on internet opines differently about relative permittivity of metals...then I looked at skin depth which decreases with frequency...but with appreciable high frequency also...skin depth is not zero...please through some light !
 
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  • #2
debajyoti datta said:
Will copper behave as a dielectric in high frequencies?...

what is your definition of high frequencies ?
copper still works well at least to 100 GHz

Dave
 
  • #3
  • #4
@Khashishi wikipedia link does not mention that it works as dielectric...@davenn i am talking about highest frequency used for communication purposes
 
  • #5
debajyoti datta said:
i am talking about highest frequency used for communication purposes

tho there is stuff above 40 GHz ... 38GHz is pretty common for microwave links between cell towers etc

there's no problems using copper PCB tracks at these frequencies, waveguide is always used to get the signal to and from the antennas

most commercial stuff above 40 GHz is vehicular crash avoidance radar etc
 
  • #6
thanks...and would you please say something about relative permittivity of metals ? ...or at least tell me some reliable sources to read.
 

Related to High frequency behaviour of copper

What is the high frequency behaviour of copper?

The high frequency behaviour of copper refers to how the metal behaves when exposed to high frequency electromagnetic fields, typically in the radio frequency range. This includes its electrical conductivity, magnetic properties, and how it reacts to changes in the frequency and amplitude of the electromagnetic waves.

What makes copper a good conductor at high frequencies?

Copper is a good conductor at high frequencies due to its low resistance and high electrical conductivity. This allows it to efficiently carry and transmit electrical signals without significant loss of energy or distortion.

How does copper's skin effect impact its high frequency behaviour?

The skin effect is a phenomenon where high frequency currents tend to flow on the surface of a conductor rather than through its entire cross section. This can impact the high frequency behaviour of copper by increasing its effective resistance and decreasing its ability to carry high frequency signals.

What factors can affect the high frequency behaviour of copper?

Some factors that can affect the high frequency behaviour of copper include temperature, surface roughness, and impurities in the metal. These can alter its electrical conductivity and magnetic properties, causing changes in its behaviour at high frequencies.

How is the high frequency behaviour of copper used in technology?

The high frequency behaviour of copper is utilized in various technologies, such as high speed data transmission, wireless communication, and electrical components in electronic devices. Its ability to efficiently conduct high frequency signals makes it a valuable material in these applications.

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