Transverse electromagnetic (TEM) system and method of manufacture

A method comprising:

• mounting a first guide to a transverse electromagnetic (TEM) structure to extend proximate an upper plate of the TEM system, the first guide comprising a first shell defining a first cavity;
• coupling the first guide to a supply for receiving a signal from the supply;
• mounting a second guide to the TEM structure a distance from the first guide to define a gap having a gap width, the second guide extending proximate a lower plate of the TEM system, the second guide comprising a second shell defining a second cavity, wherein at least one of the first guide or second guide comprises an access opening configured to provide access to at least one of the first cavity or the second cavity;
• coupling the second guide to the supply for receiving a reference signal from the supply;
• transmitting the signal and reference signal via the first guide and the second guide, respectively, toward an object;
• and
• receiving a return signal from the object.

A source assembly for a transverse electromagnetic (TEM) system comprising:

• a first guide configured to receive a signal from a supply, the first guide configured to extend proximate an upper plate of the TEM system;
• and
• a second guide configured to receive a reference signal from the supply, the second guide configured to extend proximate a lower plate of the TEM system, the second guide being spaced a distance from the first guide to define a gap having a gap width;
• wherein the first guide has a first tapered side and the second guide has a second tapered side oriented toward each other, the first tapered side and the second tapered side each including a taper that continuously reduces in slope toward an end point oriented toward an object to be tested in the TEM system.