Method for fabricating thick film alumina structures used in high frequency, low loss applications and a structure resulting therefrom

Abstract

A method for fabricating thick film alumina structures used in high frequency, low loss applications is provided. More particularly, the invention is directed to a co-fire process for fabricating, or laminating, thick film structures to one another by printing a conductor layer between two thick film circuits, drying the layer, and co-firing the combined structure. This process is particularly useful in fabricating high frequency (e.g. 10 gigabit) fiber optic transmitters.

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       23 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a first ceramic subassembly having a first circuit fabricated on a first side thereof; and,    a second ceramic subassembly having a second circuit fabricated on a first side thereof,    wherein the first ceramic subassembly is joined to the second ceramic subassembly by metal layers that are selectively printed on one of a second side of the first ceramic subassembly and a second side of the second ceramic subassembly, dried and co-fired.    
   
   
       24 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 23  wherein the apparatus is a fiber optic transmitter.  
   
   
       25 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 23  wherein the metal layers are fabricated of a platinum and silver alloy.  
   
   
       26 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 23  wherein the metal layers are fabricated of silver.  
   
   
       27 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 23  wherein the metal layers are fabricated of gold.  
   
   
       28 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 23  wherein the metal layers are fabricated of a thick film cermet material.  
   
   
       29 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 23  wherein the metal layers are fabricated of gold.  
   
   
       30 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 23  wherein the metal layers are fabricated of a thick film cermet material.  
   
   
       31 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 30  wherein the cermet material has a firing range of 500° Celsius to 950° Celsius.  
   
   
       32 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 23  wherein the first and second ceramic subassemblies are fabricated of 96% alumina.