Method and apparatus for transmitting electromagnetic waves

An apparatus, comprising:

• a dielectric waveguide having an outer surface that comprises a material that is not electrically conductive, wherein the dielectric waveguide facilitates propagation, at least in part on the outer surface of the dielectric waveguide, a portion of first electromagnetic waves emitted by an antenna, wherein a first portion of the outer surface of the dielectric waveguide is positioned with respect to a second portion of an outer surface of a transmission medium thereby forming a junction to enable the portion of the first electromagnetic waves to couple, at least in part, to the outer surface of the transmission medium to generate second electromagnetic waves that propagate on the outer surface of the transmission medium, wherein the second electromagnetic waves propagate without an electrical circuit, wherein the first electromagnetic waves have a first propagation mode, wherein the second electromagnetic waves have a second propagation mode, and wherein the first propagation mode differs from the second propagation mode;
• the antenna that facilitates transmission of the first electromagnetic waves;
• and
• a transmitter that facilitates modulation of a signal for emitting the first electromagnetic waves via the antenna, wherein the apparatus receives power inductively from the transmission medium.

An apparatus, comprising:

• a dielectric waveguide that facilitates propagation of at least a portion of first electromagnetic waves at least in part on a surface of the dielectric waveguide, wherein the portion of the first electromagnetic waves has a fundamental mode, wherein the dielectric waveguide is positioned at a location that enables the first electromagnetic waves to induce second electromagnetic waves having fundamental and non-fundamental modes that propagate on a surface of a transmission medium, the second electromagnetic waves propagating without an electrical circuit;
• an antenna that facilitates coupling of the portion of the first electromagnetic waves on the surface of the dielectric waveguide;
• and
• a transmitter that facilitates transmission of the first electromagnetic waves by the antenna, wherein the apparatus receives power inductively from the transmission medium.