Dispersion analyses of a slow wave structure with a periodic slot-array-grating inside a rectangular waveguide

A slow wave structure (SWS) with a periodic slot-array-grating loading in a rectangular waveguide is investigated in this paper. The dispersion equation is derived using the field matching theory. The dispersive characteristics of the SWS are analyzed numerically. In order to demonstrate the superiority of the slot-array-grating SWS, the electric field distribution is estimated using the High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS). We find that compared with the traditional SWS, the slot-array-grating structure has unique influences on structure characteristics. It combines the advantages of sub-wavelength hole arrays and rectangular gratings, and would be widely used for its dispersion characteristics and machining-feasibility. Especially, the slot-array-grating SWS is a very valuable tool in research dealing with the millimeter-wave Cherenkov radiation source. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.