Mode transducer structure

A mode transducer for converting an electromagnetic wave between TE1,0 and TM0,1 modes. A rectangular waveguide guides the wave while in TE1,0 mode and a circular waveguide guides the wave while in TM0,1 mode. The rectangular waveguide and the circular waveguide are joined by a chamber to form a right angle structure. The chamber particularly includes offset walls distended away from proximal portions of the rectangular waveguide to convert the electromagnetic wave between modes. Two of the mode transducers rotatably coupled with a suitable rotation mechanism may be used as a rotary waveguide joint.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to electric wave transmission systems wherein electromagnetic wave energy is guided or constrained, and more particularly to mode converters for changing guided waves having one field configuration to a different field configuration, wherein the original and the changed waves each have a longitudinal electric or magnetic field component.

2. Background Art

Many radio frequency applications today require electromagnetic energy at high power levels and at frequencies in the 1 to 150 GHz range. Some common examples are radio frequency heating, radar, satellite communications, and high energy physics.

Waveguides are used to propagate electromagnetic energy within much of the equipment used by such applications. A waveguide is usually categorized by its shape and its mode of operation. Waveguide shape is simply the predominant cross-sectional shape, and is most often simply spoken of as being “rectangular” or “circular.” This coincidentally defines a “waveguide axis” that is perpendicular to and centered through the waveguide cross-section.

Waveguide modes are categorized according to the nature of the longitudinal components of the electric (EZ) and magnetic (HZ) fields of the electromagnetic energy that they are used with, i.e., with respect to field vectors perpendicular to the waveguide axis. Such modes are generally referred to as being either “transverse-electric” (TE), meaning that the electric field vector is perpendicular to the waveguide axis or “transverse-magnetic” (TM), meaning that the magnetic field vector is perpendicular to the waveguide axis. The modes are further categorized by subscripts mathematically derived from EZand HZ. Numerous texts describe the derivation of such subscripts, but that process is not relevant here.

FIGS. 1a-1c(background art) depict some conventional waveguide examples and particular aspects of them that serve to illustrate various important points.FIG. 1ashows a rectangular waveguide operating in TE1,0mode. In a rectangular waveguide, TE1,0mode is dominant.FIG. 1bshows a circular waveguide operating in TE1,1mode. In a circular waveguide, TE1,1mode is dominant. Other modes are possible and useful, however, andFIG. 1cdepicts one of particular interest.FIG. 1cshows a circular waveguide in TM0,1mode.

InFIGS. 1a,1bsolid arrowed lines depict the electric field (E) and inFIG. 1cdashed arrowed lines depict the magnetic field (H). By comparison ofFIG. 1bandFIG. 1cit can now be seen why TM0,1mode is also termed a “circularly symmetric” mode.

Designing waveguides that efficiently propagate electromagnetic energy in one direction and in one mode of operation is generally a mature art. Unfortunately, many important applications today require more, changing from one waveguide shape to another, changing from one waveguide mode of operation to another, or changing the direction of energy propagation. In some critical applications, such as scanning radars and satellite communications, all of these are needed.

When changing the direction of propagation a small amount of rotation can usually be accommodated by using flexible coaxial cables or waveguides. This approach has been used in radars for more than 50 years. This does not, however, provide for continuous 360-degree rotation.

When substantial or full rotational capability in an electromagnetic wave transmission path is desirable or necessary, the rotary joint is the preferred apparatus. In general, a rotary joint desirably operates over the full rotation range with minimum insertion loss and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), minimum distortion of the electromagnetic wave, and with minimum variation over the frequency band as rotation takes place.

FIG. 2(prior art) is a cross-sectional view of a rotary waveguide joint1in accord with the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 2,708,263 by Walters. This example has two major sections2that are rotatably joined by a rotation mechanism3. Each major section2includes a rectangular waveguide sub-section4and a circular waveguide sub-section5. The rectangular waveguide sub-sections4each have a waveguide axis6and the circular waveguide sub-section5share a common waveguide axis7. To facilitate understanding the rotary waveguide joint1is shown with the axes6,7all co-planar. Of course, this is not always the case in actual operation.

In use, the rotary waveguide joint1accepts electromagnetic energy in TE1,0mode through one rectangular waveguide sub-section4, converts it to the circularly symmetric TM0,1mode and propagates it through the corresponding circular waveguide sub-section5. The rotation mechanism3includes a break between the circular waveguide sub-sections5that acts as a small-gap radio frequency choke to provide an effective short-circuit at the frequency of the electromagnetic energy. This permits the electromagnetic energy to be propagated into and through the other circular waveguide sub-section5, and then converted back to TE1,0mode and propagated through the remaining rectangular waveguide sub-section4.

Efficient propagation particularly needs to occur regardless of the rotational orientations of the two major sections2, and that is why the electromagnetic energy is preferably in circularly symmetric TM0,1mode as it passes through the two circular waveguide sub-sections5. In this mode the orientation of the electric (E) and magnetic (H) field patterns is independent of the rotational relationship of the two major sections2of the rotary waveguide joint1.

With reference again briefly toFIG. 1c, it can be seen that TM0,1mode is characterized by a radially extending electric field with constant amplitude and phase as a function of angular rotation about the periphery. This characteristic particularly makes this mode suitable for use with rotary joints. This also makes this mode suitable for use in applications where structural rotation is not necessarily employed, such as in particle accelerators in modern physics laboratories.

One means of exciting the TM0,1mode is with a step transition at an interface where a rectangular waveguide forms a right angle junction to a circular waveguide. This suppresses the otherwise dominant TE1,1mode. In the example inFIG. 2, each of the major sections2has such a step transitions8where the rectangular waveguide sub-sections4transition into their respective circular waveguide sub-sections5.

FIGS. 3a,3b(background art) depicts a simplified waveguide structure10having a step transition11.FIG. 3ashows the waveguide structure10in top plan view andFIG. 3bshows the waveguide structure10in side cross-section view. An important point to be noted here is that the waveguide structure10is a very difficult one to manufacture. The same is true of the elements of the rotary waveguide joint1inFIG. 2.

As is well known in the art, when using devices for transferring high power electromagnetic waves it is necessary that sharp edges be blended (rounded or smoothed), and to generally have as few structural changes and connections as possible. This prevents arcing and contributes to more efficient energy propagation. Accomplishing this is difficult and expensive in device manufacture, however, when edges are not complete circles or even straight edges, and particularly when an edge is not accessible for finishing. It follows that the example waveguide structures1,10shown, especially at the step transitions8,11, require design compromises or the use of very extra-ordinary machining techniques.

It follows that what is need is an improved mode transducer structure.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved mode transducer structure.

Briefly, one preferred embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for converting the mode of a guided electromagnetic wave from a first field configuration to a second field configuration. A rectangular waveguide section, having a rectangular-section axis, a chamber section, and a circular waveguide section, having a circular-section axis, are all provided. The rectangular waveguide section joins the chamber section at a rectangular-juncture and the circular waveguide section joins the chamber section at a circular-juncture such that the two section axes form a right angle. The rectangular waveguide section has a first and second broadwalls, and first and second sidewalls that collectively define a rectangular-end opposed to the rectangular-juncture. The circular waveguide section has a circular wall that defines a circular-end opposed to circular-juncture. The chamber section has an aperture-wall joining the first broadwall, a base-wall joining the second broadwall, and a first and second offset walls, joining the first and second sidewalls, all at rectangular-juncture. The chamber section further has a third offset wall opposed to the rectangular-juncture. The aperture-wall includes an aperture corresponding with the circular-juncture. The first and second offset walls are disposed more distantly away from the rectangular-section axis than the first and second sidewalls are, and the first, second, and third offset walls are disposed more distantly away from the circular-section axis than the circular wall is. Optionally, two of the just described apparatuses, as first and second mode transducers, can be rotatably joined at the circular-ends with a rotation mechanism to efficiently pass the electromagnetic wave in the second field configuration between the two mode transducers regardless of the relationships between the respective rectangular-section axes.

An advantage of the present invention is that it is simpler to manufacture, even as a unitary construction, if desired, and thus leading to cost savings and increased reliability.

And another advantage of the invention is that it can efficiently handle electromagnetic wave mode conversion even at high power levels.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become clear to those skilled in the art in view of the description of the best presently known mode of carrying out the invention and the industrial applicability of the preferred embodiment as described herein and as illustrated in the figures of the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The purposes and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended figures of drawings in which:

FIGS. 1a-1c(background art) depict conventional waveguide examples and their particular aspects of interest, whereinFIG. 1ashows a rectangular waveguide operating in TE1,0mode,FIG. 1bshows a circular waveguide operating in TE1,1mode, andFIG. 1cshows a circular waveguide in TM0,1mode.

FIG. 2(prior art) is a cross-sectional view of a conventional rotary waveguide joint.

FIGS. 3a,1b(background art) depict a simplified waveguide structure having a step transition, whereinFIG. 3ashows it in top plan view andFIG. 3bshows it in side cross-section view.

FIGS. 4a,1bdepict an embodiment of a mode transducer in accord with the present invention, whereinFIG. 4ashows it in top plan view andFIG. 4bshows it in side cross-section view.

FIG. 5is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of a mode transducer in accord with the present invention, showing that the offset walls are not necessary completely planar and can have a more generalized form.

FIG. 6is a side cross-section view of another alternate embodiment of a mode transducer in accord with the present invention, one having a suppressor stub added to improve performance.

FIG. 7is a side cross-section view of yet another alternate embodiment of a mode transducer in accord with the present invention, showing a more complex suppressor stub used.

FIG. 8is a side cross-section view of another still alternate embodiment of a mode transducer in accord with the present invention, showing the use of matching irises in the waveguide sections.

FIG. 9is a side cross-section view of a rotary joint that can be constructed using two mode transducers, such as those in accord with the present invention.

In the various figures of the drawings, like references are used to denote like or similar elements or steps.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a mode transducer structure. As illustrated in the various drawings herein, and particularly in the views ofFIGS. 4a,4bthroughFIG. 9, preferred embodiments of the invention are depicted by the general reference characters100and200.

FIGS. 4a,4bdepict one embodiment of a mode transducer100that is in accord with the present invention.FIG. 4ashows the mode transducer100in top plan view andFIG. 4bshows it in side cross-section view. The overall appearance of the mode transducer100is “cross-shaped.”

The mode transducer100includes a rectangular waveguide section102(FIGS. 4a,4b) that joins a chamber section104(FIG. 4b) at a rectangular-juncture106(FIG. 4b), which, in turn, joins a circular waveguide section108(FIGS. 4a,4b) at a circular-juncture110(FIG. 4b). As shown, a central axis through the rectangular waveguide section102(FIGS. 4a,4b) and a central axis through the circular waveguide section108(FIGS. 4a,4b) nominally form a right angle designated by the symbol ˜90 °.

The rectangular waveguide section102(FIGS. 4a,4b) a first broadwall120(FIGS. 4a,4b) and a second broadwall122(FIG. 4b), and first and second sidewalls124,126(FIG. 4a). These collectively define a rectangular-end128(FIG. 4b) that is located opposite the rectangular-juncture106(FIG. 4b). The circular waveguide section108(FIGS. 4a,4b) has a circular wall130(FIGS. 4a,4b) that defines a circular-end132(FIG. 4b) that is located opposite the circular-juncture110(FIG. 4b).

The chamber section104(FIG. 4b) has an aperture-wall140(FIG. 4a), a base-wall142(FIG. 4b), and first and second offset walls144,146(FIG. 4a) joining with elements of the rectangular waveguide section102(FIGS. 4a,4b) at the rectangular-juncture106(FIG. 4b) as shown. The chamber section104(FIG. 4b) further has a third offset wall148(FIGS. 4a,4b) located opposite the rectangular-juncture106(FIG. 4b). The aperture-wall140(FIG. 4a) includes an aperture150(FIG. 4b) corresponding with the circular-juncture110(FIG. 4b). The first and second offset walls144,146(FIG. 4a) are extended outward from the rectangular section's central axis, and the third offset wall148(FIGS. 4a,4b) is similarly extended outward from the circular section's central axis.

It should be noted that the extended offset walls144,146(FIGS. 4a,4b) and the extended offset wall148(FIG. 4b) are one particular point of novelty in the mode transducer100. The offset walls144,146(FIGS. 4a,4b) and the extended offset wall148(FIG. 4b) partly move outward the narrower walls (the sidewalls124,126(FIG. 4b)) of rectangular waveguide section102(FIGS. 4a,4b) of rectangular waveguide section102(FIGS. 4a,4b) close to where the different waveguides meet in the chamber section104(FIG. 4b). This avoids any intersection between the main edges of the rectangular and circular waveguide sections102,108(FIGS. 4a,4b). Another point to particularly note is the absence of a step transition (see e.g., step transitions8,11inFIGS. 2 and 3a,3b), with all of the attendant manufacturing difficulty that such a feature and integrating it into the overall structure would require. The presence of the offset walls144,146(FIGS. 4a,4b) and the extended offset wall148(FIG. 4b) obviates the need for a step transition, by instead serving to suppress excitation in the TE1,1mode in favor of excitation in the desired TM0,1mode. They also permit keeping the circular-juncture110(FIG. 4b) fully circular, that is, not compromising on this as some prior art does. As was noted in the Background section, above, step transitions are an important feature in prior of art structures. They are notoriously difficult to manufacture without resorting to compromises that undermine efficiency or that even increase the risk of end product failure.

FIG. 5is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of a mode transducer100, wherein it can be seen that the offset walls144,146,148are not necessary completely planar and can have a more generalized form.

FIG. 6is a side cross-section view of another alternate embodiment of a mode transducer100, showing that a suppressor stub160can be added to further improve performance of the mode transducer100.FIG. 7is a side cross-section view of yet another alternate embodiment of a mode transducer100, showing that a more complex suppressor stub160can be used. In the waveguide arts it has long been known that suppressor stubs helps to suppress excitation into the undesired TE1,1mode. Embodiments of mode transducers in accord with the present invention may thus also, optionally, employ suppressor stubs in the traditional manner.

FIG. 8is a side cross-section view of another still alternate embodiment of a mode transducer100, here showing the use of matching irises170in the waveguide sections102,108. In the waveguide arts it has also long been known that such irises help to improve impedance matching, e.g., reduce VSWR over the required bandwidth. Embodiments of mode transducers in accord with the present invention may thus, optionally, also employ irises in the traditional manner. The iris170ahere in the rectangular waveguide section102is more generically termed a “baffle,” since it reduces the cross-section only in one dimension (the Cartesian Z-axis here). Nonetheless, “iris” is widely used in waveguide literature. In contrast, the iris170bin the circular waveguide section108is a true “iris” because it reduces the cross-section in two dimensions (the Cartesian X-and Z-axes here).

FIG. 9is a side cross-section view of a rotary joint200that can be constructed using two mode transducers100. The two mode transducers100here resemble the embodiment inFIGS. 4a,4b, but this is not a requirement and it is also not a requirement that the mode transducers used even be similar. For example, a rotary joint could be constructed using a conventional mode transducer and a mode transducer100in accord with the present invention. Suppressor stubs and irises could also be added to either or both to the mode transducers employed.

The rotary joint200inFIG. 9includes a rotation mechanism202having a small-gap radio frequency choke204that provides an effective short-circuit so that electromagnetic energy is propagated efficiently between the circular waveguide sections108. As is the situation with suppressor stubs and irises, however, the rotation mechanism is also generally an aspect of the conventional waveguide arts that can be extended in straightforward manner to structures in accord with the present invention, such as the exemplary rotary joint200here.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and that the breadth and scope of the invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments, but should instead be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.