Low-loss dielectric waveguide for transmission of millimeter-wave signals and cable comprising the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a dielectric waveguide for transmission of millimeter-wave signals and a cable comprising the same, the dielectric waveguide comprising: an inner core having a dielectric medium adapted to transmit a millimeter- wave signal by carrying an electromagnetic field along the dielectric waveguide, the dielectric medium comprising a dielectric material having dielectric properties adapted to confine the propagating electromagnetic field to the inner core while adding low transmission loss at signal frequencies in a millimeter-wave frequency range. The dielectric mediummay be provided as a core of solid dielectric material, one or more bundles of fibers that extend along the length of the inner core, or as granulate of dielectric material that fills the volume of the inner core. The dielectric material may be quartz or alumina.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to dielectric waveguides for millimeter wave communication links, and more particularly, to dielectric waveguides having dielectric properties that add low transmission loss to communication links operating at millimeter wave frequencies. Background technique [0002] Optical fiber-based communication links have been increasingly used as an alternative to all-wire links for high-speed data transmission, for example at transmitted signal wavelengths in the range of 200 nm to 2000 nm. Given the continuous demand for increased (data rate) bandwidth, wire link lengths are limited by transmission losses, whereas optical links are feasible and widely used for long link lengths. On the other hand, conventional optical link solutions become less attractive as link lengths decrease due to costs associated with non-silicon semiconductor technologies, fiber alignment, and surface accuracy. [0003] Dielectric waveguides / fibers have ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, dielectric waveguides that include metal shields such as copper or aluminum shields are quite expensive

In addition, the fabrication process of waveguides integrating polymer and metal materials is more complex and time-consuming than waveguides made of only polymer materials

Additionally, since available dielectric waveguides are configured such that most of the propagating electromagnetic field travels within the medium (air / foam) around the dielectric core, such waveguides have rather large cross-sections, which may be critical for their use in applications requiring compact designs. use limit

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