Guided-Wave Properties of Mode-Selective Transmission Line

The so-called mode-selective transmission line or simply “MSTL” is studied theoretically and experimentally. This low-loss and low-dispersion transmission line operates with a frequency-dependent mode-switching behavior. This self-adaptive mode-selective guided-wave structure begins with the propagation of electromagnetic waves over the lower frequency range in the form of a quasi-TEM fundamental mode similar to the microstrip line case, then followed by a fundamental quasi-TE10 mode with reference to rectangular waveguide over the higher frequency region. To gain insight into the physical mechanism and fundamental features of this mode-selective transmission line, a detailed semi-analytical hybrid-mode analysis is developed through the application of a method of lines. This method allows accurate and effective modeling of MSTL guided-wave properties. Propagation characteristics of this proposed mode-agile structure in terms of dispersion, modal, and loss properties are examined, which leads to the establishment of some basic MSTL design guidelines. Numerical results confirm the expected mode conversion and low-loss behavior through the observation of field evolutions along the structure. For experimental verification, a set of MSTL prototypes are fabricated on two different substrates through dissimilar fabrication processes. Measurements are carried out from dc-to-500 GHz using a vector network analyzer. Excellent agreement between theoretical and experimental results is observed. It is confirmed that the low-dispersion and low-loss behavior of MSTL makes it an outstanding integrated waveguide in support of high-performance super-broadband signal transmission and/or ultra-fast pulse propagation in a fully-integrated platform.