A novel noncontacting waveguide backshort for millimeter and submillimeter wave frequencies

A new noncontacting waveguide backshort was developed for millimeter and submillimeter wave frequencies. It employs a metallic bar with rectangular or circular holes. The size and spacing of the holes are adjusted to provide a periodic variation of the guide impedance on the correct length scale to give a large reflection of RF frequency power. This design is mechanically rugged and can be easily fabricated for millimeter wave frequencies above 300 GHz where conventional backshorts are difficult to fabricate. Model experiments were performed at 4 to 6 GHz to optimize the design. Values of reflected power greater than 95 percent over a 30 percent bandwidth were achieved. The design was scaled to WR-10 band (75 to 110 GHz) with comparably good results.