Patent ID: 7239219

Claim:
A coaxial RF or microwave component that guides or controls a desired radiation, comprising: a. at least one RF or microwave radiation entry port in a conductive structure; b. at least one RF or microwave radiation exit port in the conductive structure; c. at least one passage substantially bounded on the sides by the conductive structure through which RF or microwave radiation passes when traveling from the at least one entry port to the at least one exit port; d. a central conductor extending along a length of the at least one passage from the entry port to the exit port; and wherein the conductive structure includes one or more apertures which extend from the passage to an outer region, wherein the apertures have cross-sectional dimensions that are no larger than the greater of 1/10 of a wavelength of the desired radiation or 200 microns, wherein the apertures are not intended to pass a significant amount of the desired radiation, and wherein the apertures are provided at locations where an electric field at the surface of the conductive structure when in use is less than about 20% of its maximum value within the passage.