Dielectric Rods For Microwaves
Dielectric rod waveguides, in linear arrays of short transverse conductors, and planar resistive conductors use the same principle as optical waveguides.
These function via a refractive index effect where the waveguide slows the EM wave velocity below the free space velocity, continuously bending the relatively wide EM wavefronts towards the narrow waveguide and keeping them entrained. Helical waveguides and linear arrays of short conductors are used as part of "end-fire" antennas such as the helical antenna and Yagi antenna. Planar resistive waveguides are used in Over-The-Horizon radar and the Ground Wave Emergency Network, where the resistive surface of the Earth or ocean serves to slow the waves below free space velocity; entraining them and forcing them to follow the curvature of the Earth. Several waveguides based on entrainment of EM waves also exist.
Read more about this topic: Waveguide (electromagnetism)
Famous quotes containing the word rods:
“The Fitchburg Railroad touches the pond about a hundred rods south of where I dwell. I usually go to the village along its causeway, and am, as it were, related to society by this link. The men on the freight trains, who go over the whole length of the road, bow to me as to an old acquaintance, they pass me so often, and apparently they take me for an employee; and so I am. I too would fain be a track-repairer somewhere in the orbit of the earth.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)