A Closed Composite Right-/Left-Handed Transmission Line Based on Substrate Integrated Waveguide Technology

The specialities of a composite right-/left-handed (CRLH) transmission line (TL) are realised in a closed structure with the purpose to utilise its particular phase behaviour while it transports energy with low attenuation. The configuration is derived from the H-10 rectangular hollow waveguide mode concluding in a reproducible and verifiable design, even of the so-called balanced state. Its origin implies inherent shielding and fundamental mode operation as crucial advantages in comparison to many other designs. The dispersion behaviour is validated on two ways and the Bloch impedance is computed and evaluated with respect to matching. The fabricated prototype is light-weight and compact. The simulation results demonstrate low attenuation and they are confirmed by measurements.