Half-Mode Waveguide Based on Gap Waveguide Technology for Rapid Prototyping

Abstract

In this letter, a half-mode waveguide based on gap waveguide (GW) technology for rapid prototyping is explored. Two devices have been designed and measured for demonstration purposes: a power divider and a curved waveguide. Both devices are constructed from two noncontacting metal pieces. Both devices also follow the same design process. In the bottom piece, a horizontally polarized groove GW (GGW) is housed. The height of the groove is about half, which is required to propagate the fundamental mode. The top cover is a uniform pinned surface that acts as a high impedance surface (HIS) over the groove below. Both the power divider and the curved waveguide show measured reflection coefficient values of less than -15 dB in the bandwidth of interest (28-31 GHz) and are in excellent agreement with simulated results. These devices stand out for their ease of fabrication and open a horizon for cheaper and more robust GW designs for mass production.