Quasi-TEM modes in rectangular waveguides: a study based on the properties of PMC and hard surfaces

• Published in: Journal of modern optics Vol. 56; no. 4; pp. 530 - 538
• Main Authors: Pierre, R., Tayeb, G., Gralak, B., Enoch, S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis Group 20-02-2009; Taylor & Francis; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Analysis; Classical Physics; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); General Physics; hard surface; Magnetism; Optical elements, devices, and systems; Optical waveguides and coupleurs; Optics; perfect magnetic conductor (PMC); Physics; quasi-TEM mode; Studies; TEM waveguide; Guided wave; Field distribution; TEM mode; Rectangular waveguides; Optical waveguides; hard surface; TEM waveguide; perfect magnetic conductor (PMC); quasi-TEM mode
• ISSN: 0950-0340; 1362-3044
• DOI: 10.1080/09500340802604146

Hard surfaces or magnetic surfaces can be used to propagate quasi-TEM modes inside closed waveguides. The interesting feature of these modes is an almost uniform field distribution inside the waveguide. But the mechanisms governing how these surfaces act, how they can be characterized, and further how the modes propagate are not detailed in the literature. In this paper, we try to answer these questions. We give some basic rules that govern the propagation of the quasi-TEM modes, and show that many of their characteristics (i.e. their dispersion curves) can be deduced from the simple analysis of the reflection properties of the involved surfaces.