Millimeter wavelength dielectric waveguide having increased power output and a method of making same
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorsDaniel G. Jablonski, Albert D. Krall
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Abstract
A millimeter wavelength solid dielectric waveguide having either an undulng or roughened outer surface is disclosed. As configured, and properly designed, for the wavelength of interest, the non-cylindrical surface will not have any deleterious effects on the electromagnetic properties of the dielectric waveguide. Moreover, the novel surface treatment will greatly increase the amount of heat energy that can be dissipated by radiation and convection from the dielectric waveguide thereby increasing its power handling capability.
Claims8
A method of fabricating a solid dielectric waveguide configured to operate at a predetermined frequency within a predetermined range, so as to improve its power handling capability without deleteriously effecting its electromagnetic properties, comprising the steps of:
- furnishing a cylindrical dielectric waveguide of a predetermined dielectric material, said cylindrical dielectric waveguide having a predetermined maximum diameter d, a length l and a smooth outer surface;
- and
- modifying the smooth outer surface of said cylindrical dielectic waveguide to conform to an undulating outer surface characterized by ridges and valleys, said ridges and valleys increasing the effective surface area of the waveguide and providing means for increasing the heat energy that can be dissipated in the waveguide without adversely effecting the waveguides electromagnetic properties in the frequency range of interest, said ridges and/or valleys being spaced according to a predetermined surface wavelength .lambda..sub.s, and said ridges being at a predetermined maximum diameter d.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.