Dielectric Waveguide Layering for Low-Loss Millimeter-Wave Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dielectric waveguides for millimeter and submillimeter waves suffer from electromagnetic wave penetration and transmission losses, leading to reduced efficiency and increased group delay.

Innovation Solution

A dielectric waveguide configuration with three layers of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) having specific relative permittivities and loss tangents, where εA1 > εA2 > εA3, and optionally additional layers with lower permittivity, to minimize electromagnetic wave penetration and reduce group delay.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single-layer dielectric waveguide is used, then the structure is simple, but electromagnetic wave penetration and transmission losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaveguide structureVSAvoidtransmission loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The waveguide is divided into three distinct dielectric layers (A1, A2, A3) with progressively decreasing relative permittivities. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute differently to wave propagation, reducing overall energy loss while maintaining structural functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each dielectric layer is assigned a specific relative permittivity value (εA1 > εA2 > εA3) tailored to its position in the structure. The innermost layer has highest permittivity and outermost has lowest, creating localized property variations that optimize transmission and reduce penetration losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If dielectric layers with higher relative permittivity are used, then wave confinement is improved, but electromagnetic wave penetration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewave transmission efficiencyVSAvoidelectromagnetic wave penetration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The relative permittivity parameter is systematically varied across the three layers, with εA1 > εA2 > εA3. This parameter gradient creates optimal wave confinement in inner layers while progressively reducing penetration into outer regions, balancing confinement and penetration control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The waveguide employs a composite dielectric structure combining three different materials or material configurations with distinct permittivity values. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of wave confinement and penetration reduction that cannot be realized with homogeneous materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If multiple dielectric layers with different permittivities are implemented, then transmission efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidwaveguide fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is segmented into sequential steps for forming each dielectric layer, allowing standardized fabrication techniques to be applied to each layer independently while maintaining overall production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The three dielectric layers are nested concentrically with layer A2 surrounding A1 and layer A3 surrounding A2. This nested configuration simplifies the manufacturing sequence compared to alternative arrangements, as each layer can be formed in place of the previous one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The configuration reduces electromagnetic wave penetration and transmission losses, enhancing the efficiency of millimeter and submillimeter wave transmission while minimizing errors.

Implementation Method 1

a dielectric waveguide including: a center dielectric A1, a dielectric layer A2 surrounding the center dielectric A1, and a dielectric layer A3 surrounding the dielectric layer A2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Waveguide

Implementation Method 2

the center dielectric A1, the dielectric layer A2, and the dielectric layer A3 having relative permittivities εA1, εA2, and εA3 at 25° C. and 6 GHz, respectively, εA1, εA2, and εA3 satisfying the following: εA1 is 2.20 or lower; εA2 is 1.90 or lower; εA3 is 1.55 or lower; and εA1>εA2>εA3 is satisfied

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric permittivity gradient effect: Dielectric Permittivity

Data Source

PatentUS12469945B2Dielectric waveguide line

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

A dielectric waveguide including: a center dielectric A1; a dielectric layer A2 surrounding the center dielectric A1; and a dielectric layer A3 surrounding the dielectric layer A2, the center dielectric A1 including polytetrafluoroethylene, the center dielectric A1, the dielectric layer A2, and the dielectric layer A3 having relative permittivities at 25° C. and 6 GHz represented by εA1, εA2, and εA3, respectively, εA1, εA2, and εA3 satisfying the following: εA1 is 2.20 or lower; εA2 is 1.90 or lower; εA3 is 1.55 or lower; and εA1>εA2>εA3 is satisfied.