2 Metallic and dielectric Waveguides

2.1 Introduction

Waveguides are basically devices for transporting EM energy from one region to another. Typically
, waveguides are hollow metal tubes (rectangular or circular). They have the advantage of high
power handling capability and low loss but are bulky, expensive and dispersive.

2.2 Fields in waveguides

Maxwell’s equations can be reformulated so as to describe three classes of waves : TEM, TE and
TM waves that propagates in a waveguide characterized by axial uniformity, conductor boundaries
that are parallel to the direction of propagation which is chosen to be z. Also, their cross-sectional
shape and electrical property do not vary along the propagation axis, which extend to infinity. We
assume time harmonic fields with an eωt dependence (suppressed) and wave propagating along the
z axis. The electric and magnetic field can be expressed as

E (x, y, z) = Et (x, y, z) + Ez (x, y, z)

= e (x, y) e−jβz + ez (x, y) e−jβz

 
= e (x, y) + âz ez (x, y) e−jβz

H (x, y, z) = Ht (x, y, z) + Hz (x, y, z)

= h (x, y) e−jβz + hz (x, y) e−jβz

 
= h (x, y) + âz hz (x, y) e−jβz

where e (x, y) and h (x, y) replaces the transverse electric and magnetic fields components
(âx , ây ) and ez and hz are the longitudinal electric and magnetic fields components. If the conductor
or the dielectric loss are present then γ = α + jβ
Assuming a source free region

∇ × E = −jωµH

∇ × H = jωE

With e−jβz dependence , the ∇ operator becomes

∇ = ∇t + ∇t
∂ ∂ ∂
= âx + ây + âz
∂x ∂y ∂z

21
 = ∆t − jβâz

∂ ∂
∇t is the transverse part ∇t = âx ∂x + ây ∂z in rectangular coordinates

∂
∇ × E = −jωµH; = −jβ
∂z
âx ây âz
= ∂ ∂ ∂
∂x ∂y ∂z

Ex Ey Ez
     
∂Ez ∂Ey ∂Ex ∂Ez ∂Ey ∂Ex
= âx − + ây − + âz −
∂y ∂z ∂z ∂x ∂x ∂y
= −jωµ (Hx + Hy + Hz )

This gives
∂Ez
+ jβEy = −jωµHx (20)
∂y
∂Ez
−jβEx − = −jωµHy (21)
∂x
∂Ey ∂Ex
− = −jωµHz (22)
∂x ∂y
Similarly      
∂Hz ∂Hy ∂Hx ∂Hz ∂Hy ∂Hx
∇ × H = âx − + ây − + âz −
∂y ∂z ∂z ∂x ∂x ∂y
which gives
∂Hz
+ jβHy = jωEx (23)
∂y
∂Hz
−jωHx − = jωEy (24)
∂x
∂Hy ∂Hx
− = jωEz (25)
∂x ∂y
Solving for Ex , Ey , Hx and Hy (the transverse components) in terms of Ez and Hz
 
j ∂Ez ∂Hz
Hx = ω − β (26)
k 2c ∂y ∂x
 
−j ∂Ez ∂Hz
Hy = ω +β (27)
kc2 ∂x ∂y
 
−j ∂Ez ∂Hz
Ex = β + ωµ (28)
k 2c ∂x ∂y
 
j ∂Ez ∂Hz
Ey = −β + ωµ (29)
k 2c ∂y ∂x
where k 2c = k 2 − β 2 is the cutoff wave number.
√
k = ω µ is the wavenumber of the material filling the waveguide

22
2.2.1 TEM Waves

Characterized by Ez = Hz = 0. From equations 26 - 29, transverse fields also equal to zero. However
from equations 20 - 25, substituting for Ez = Hz = 0 gives
r
Ex µ
ZT EM = = =η
Hy 
r
−Ey µ
= = =η
Hx 

also
√ p
β = ω µ = k ⇒ kc = k 2 − β 2 = 0

∵ kc = 0 The helmholtz equation in Ex gives

 2 2
∂ ∂2 ∂2 2
+ + +k Ex = 0
∂x2 ∂y 2 ∂z 2
 2
∂2

∂ 2 2
+ − β + k Ex = 0 but β 2 = k2
∂x2 ∂y 2
 2
∂2

∂
+ Ex = 0
∂x2 ∂y 2
∇2t e(x, y) = 0 similarly

∇2t e(x, y) = 0

The two Laplace equations reduces to2

e(x, y) = −∇t φ(x, t)

2.2.2 TE Waves

Transverse electric (TE) waves are characterized by Ez = 0, Hz 6= 0. Equations 26 - 29 reduce to

−jβ ∂Hz
Hx =
kc2 ∂x
−jβ ∂Hz
Hy =
kc2 ∂y
−jωµ ∂Hz
Ex =
k 2c ∂y
jωµ ∂Hz
Ey =
k 2c ∂x

From Helmholtz equation for Hz

∇2 Hz + k 2 Hz = 0
2
If curl F = 0, then F = gradφ

23
 2
∂2 ∂2 ∂2

2
+ + +k Hz = 0
∂x2 ∂y 2 ∂z 2
 2
∂2

∂ 2 2
+ − β + k Hz = 0
∂x2 ∂y 2
 2
∂2

∂ 2
+ + kc Hz = 0
∂x2 ∂y 2

In this case kc 6= 0 and the equations must be solved subject to the boundary conditions of the
specific waveguide geometry
Ex −Ey ωµ k
zT E = = = = η
Hy Hx β β

2.2.3 TM Waves

Transverse magnetic waves are characterized by Ez 6= 0 , Hz = 0. Equations 26 - 29 reduce to

jω ∂Ez
Hx =
k 2c ∂y
−jω ∂Ez
Hy =
kc2 ∂x
−jβ ∂Ez
Ex =
k 2c ∂x
−jβ ∂Ez
Ey = .
k 2c ∂y
p
As in the case of TE, kc 6= 0 and β = k 2 − kc2
Ez is found from Helmholtz equation as

∇Ez + k 2 Ez = 0
∂2 ∂2 ∂2
 
2
+ + + k Ez = 0
∂x2 ∂y 2 ∂z 2
 2
∂2

∂ 2 2
+ − β + k Ez = 0
∂x2 ∂y 2
 2
∂2

∂ 2
+ + kc Ez = 0
∂x2 ∂y 2

And the equation has to be solved subject to the boundary conditions of the specific waveguide
geometry
Ex −Ey β β
zT M = = = = η
Hy Hx ω k

2.3 Parallel plate waveguide

The parallel plate waveguide is formed by two conducting plates of width ω separated by a distance
d as shown below. This waveguide support TEM, TE and TM modes.

24
 Figure 1: Parallel plate configuration
The following assumptions are made in the determination of the various modes on the parallel
plate waveguide

1. The waveguide is infinite in length (no reflection)

2. The waveguide conductors are PEC and the dielectric is lossless (α = 0)

3. The plate width is much larger than the plate separation (ω  d) so that variation of the
∂


fields with respect to x may be neglected (NO fringing) ∂x =0

2.3.1 TEM Waves

We have seen that for TEM

∇2t ē (x, y) = 0 which gives

e (x, y) = −∇φ (x, y)

Also from ∇ · D = ∇ · (x, y) = 0 (For source free region)

∇ · e (x, y) = ∇2t φ (x, y) = 0

which is a Laplace equation

∇2t φ (x, y) = 0 for 0 ≤ x ≤ ω, 0 ≤ y ≤ d

Letting φ (x, 0) = 0, φ (x, d) = V0

Since there is no variation in x

φ (x, y) = A + By
V0
φ (x, y) = y on imposing the boundary conditions
d
−V0
e (x, y) = −∇φ (x, y) = ây
d

25
 −V0 −jkz
E (x, y, z) = e (x, y) e−jkz = e ây
d

NB: k = β for TEM

âz V0 −jkz
H (x, y, z) = × E (x, y, z) ây = e âx
zT EM ηd

Figure 2: E and H fields in a parallel plate waveguide

the voltage of the top plate w.r.t the bottom

Z
V = − E.dl
Z d
= − Ey dy
y=0
−jkz
= V0 e

and the total current

Z
I = H.dl
Z
v0 −jkz
= e âx · âx dx
ηd
Z ω
v0 −jkz
= e dx
0 ηd
ωv0 −jkz
I = e
ηd
v d
Z0 = =η
I ω
ω 1
vp = =√
β µ

2.3.2 TM modes

∂
TM are characterized by Hz = 0 , Ez 6= 0 , ∂x = 0 (No fringing)
Then

∂2
 
2
+ kc ez (x, y) = 0 (30)
∂y 2

26
 p
kc = k 2 − β 2 is the cutoff wave number

E (x, y, z) = ez (x, y) e−jβz

equation 30 solves to
e (x, y) = A sin kc y + B cos kc y

At the boundary (two plates) ez (x, y) must vanish i.e the fields are contained in between the plates

ez (x, y) = 0 for y = 0, d

This implies that B = 0 and

kc d = nπ for n = 0, 1, 2 · · ·
nπ
kc = for n = 0, 1, 2 · · ·
d

p
β = k 2 − kc2
r  nπ 2
= k2 − (31)
d

and

nπy
ez (x, y) = An sin
d
nπy −jβz
E (x, y, z) = An sin e
d
jω ∂Ez jω nπy −jβz
Hx = = An cos e
kc2 ∂y kc d
−jβ ∂Ez −jβ nπy −jβz
Ey = = An cos e
kc ∂y kc d
∂
Ex = Hy = 0 ∵ =0
∂x
√ p
From k = ω µ and β = k 2 − kc2
TMn experience a cutoff where no propagation occurs until the frequency is such that k > kc
From equation 31
p
β= k 2 − kc2 > 0 (for propagation to occur)
√
ω µ − kc = 0 (gives the cutoff frequency)
√ nπ
ω µ =
d
√ nπ
2πf µ =
d

27
 nπ
fc = √
2πd µ
n
= √
2d µ

The lowest TM mode that propagates at the lowest frequency T M1 , has cut off frequency of fc =
1 √
2d µ. T M2 has twice this frequency e.t.c

At frequency below cut off, β is imaginary corresponding to a decay of the fields. Such modes
are called Evanescent modes.

−Ey β
zT M = =
Hx ω
ω
vp =
β
2π
λ =
β

cutoff wavelength
2d
λcn =
n

2.3.3 TE modes

∂
Characterized by Ez = 0 ; also ∂x = 0 and Hz must satisfy the wave equation
 2 
∂ 2
+ kc hz (x, y) = 0
∂y 2
p
where kc = k 2 − β 2 and Hz (x, y, z) = hz (x, y) e−jβz
The general solution is
hz (x, y) = A sin kc y + B cos kc y

The boundary conditions are that Ex = 0 at y = 0 and Ez = 0 for TE modes

Also

−jωµ ∂Hz
Ex =
k 2c ∂y
−jωµ
= ([Akc cos kc y − Bkc sin kc y) ejβz
k 2c
−jωµ
= (A cos kc y − B sin kc y) ejβz
kc

Imposing the boundary conditions

A = 0 ∵ Ex = 0 at y = 0

B sin kc d = 0

28
 kc d = nπ
nπ
kc = n = 1, 2, 3 · · ·
d
NB: n = 0 is not possible since n = 0 means that Ex = 0 ∀ y
nπy −jβz
Hz (x, y) = Bn cos e
d
From which
−jωµ ∂Hz jωµ nπy −jβz
Ex = = Bn sin e
k 2c ∂y kc d
−jβ ∂Hz jβ nπy −jβz
Hy = 2
= 2 Bn sin e
k c ∂y kc d
∂
Ey = Hx = 0 ∵ =0
r ∂x
 nπ 2
β = k2 −
d
n
fc = √
2d µ
The wave impedance of the T En mode is
Ex ωµ kη
zT E = = =
Hy β β
ω 2π
Vp = λg =
β β
cut off wavelength
2d
λcn =
n

2.4 Rectangular waveguides

Figure 3: Geometry of a rectangular waveguide

Consider a rectangular waveguide of lateral dimensions a and b as shown in figure 3 and make
the following assumptions

29
 i). The waveguide is infinitely long oriented along the z axis and is uniform along the length

ii). The waveguide is constructed from ideal materials where the enclosing perfect electric con-
ductor is filled with perfect insulator

iii). The fields are time harmonic, the phasor of E and H associated with the wave propagating
inside the waveguide must satisfy the source free Maxwell’s equations

The rectangular cross-section a > b allows for single mode operation. Single mode operation means
that only one mode propagates in the waveguide over a given frequency range. A square cross-section
waveguide doesn’t allow for single mode operation i.e a = b
Rectangular waveguide doesn’t support TEM waves since the boundary conditions are satisfied
at the walls

2.4.1 TM modes

∂
Characterized by Ez 6= 0, Hz = 0, ∂z = jβ
The Helmholtz equations for Ez = ez (x, y) e−jβz

∇2 Ez + k 2 Ez = 0

∇2 + k 2 Ez = 0

Expanding in rectangular coordinates

 2
∂2

∂ 2 2
+ − β + k Ez = 0
∂x2 ∂y 2
 2
∂2

∂ 2
+ + kc Ēz = 0
∂x2 ∂y 2
This PDE (2nd order, homogenous, linear) can be solved by using the separation of variables
method.
Letting
eZ (x, y) = X (x) Y (y)

Where X (x) is a function of x only and Y (y) is a function of y only

Substituting we have
Y X ” + XY ” + kc XY = 0

dividing through by ez (x, y) = XY

X” Y ”
+ + kc2 = 0 (32)
X Y

30
In order for equation 32 to be satisfied for every x and y within the waveguide, each of the first two
terms must equal to a constant i.e

X”
= −kx2 ⇒ X ” + kx2 X = 0
X
Y”
= −ky2 ⇒ Y ” + ky2 Y = 0
Y

Substituting in equation 32 we find that

kc2 = kx2 + ky2

The original second order P.D.E dependent on this variable has been separated to two second order
O.D.E each dependent on one variable only.
The O.D.Es solves to

X (x) = A sin kx x + B cos kx x

Y (y) = C sin ky y + D cos ky y

giving
ez (x, y) = (A sin kx x + B cos kx x) (C sin ky y + D cos ky y)

and
E (x, y, z) = (A sin kx x + B cos kx x) (C sin ky y + D cos ky y) e−jβz

The boundary condition for the electric field states that an electric field to exist at the surface of a
conductor, it must be perpendicular to the conductor i.e electric field cannot exist parallel to the
conductor

Ez (x, y, z) = 0 for x = 0, a

Ez (x, y, z) = 0 for y = 0, b

Imposing the boundary conditions

Ez (0, y, z) = 0=B

⇒ B=0

at x = a

Ez (a, y, z) = A sin kx a = 0

31
 sin kx a = 0

kx a = 0, π, 2π, · · ·

kx a = mπ
mπ
kx = m = 1, 2, 3 · · ·
a

Ez (x, 0, z) = D cos ky y = 0

⇒ D=0

Ez (x, b, z) = C sin ky b = 0

sin ky b = 0

ky b = nπ n = 1, 2, 3 · · ·
nπ
ky =
b

The resulting longitudinal electric field will be

mπx nπy −jβz

Ēzs (x, y, z) = AC sin sin e
a b

For the transverse fields

−jβ ∂Ez −jβ  mπ  mπx nπy −jβz

Ex = 2
= 2
Emn cos sin e
kc ∂x kc a a b
−jβ ∂Ez −jβ  nπ  mπx nπy −jβz
Ey = 2
= 2
Emn sin cos e
kc ∂y kc b a b
jω ∂Ez jω  nπ  mπx nπy −jβz
Hx = = Emn sin cos e
kc2 ∂y kc2 b a b
jω ∂Ez −jω  mπ  mπx nπy −jβz
Hy = 2
= 2
Emn cos sin e
kc ∂x kc a a b

Hz = 0

m = 1, 2, 3 · · ·

n = 1, 2, 3 · · ·

m, n 6= 0

TM00 , TMm0 , TM0n are INVALID modes in rectangular waveguides

2.4.2 TE modes

∂
Characterized by Ez = 0 , Hz 6= 0 , ∂z = jβ

32
 The Helmholtz equations for magnetic field

∇2 + k 2 Hz = 0; Hz = hz (x, y) e−jβz

∇2 + k 2 hz e−jβz = 0

Expanding in rectangular coordinates

 2
∂2

∂
+ − β + k hz e−jβz = 0
2 2
∂x2 ∂y 2
 2
∂2

∂
+ + kc hz e−jβz = 0
2
∂x2 ∂y 2

Using the same method of separation of variables to this equation for longitudinal magnetic field

Hz (x, y, z) = (A sin kx x + B cos kx x) (C sin ky y + D cos ky y) e−jβz

The boundary conditions are

Ey (0, y, z) = Ey (a, y, z) = 0; vertical walls

Ex (x, 0, z) = Ex (x, b, z) = 0; horizontal walls

−jωµ ∂Hz
Ex =
k 2c ∂y
−jωµ
= ky (A sin kx x + B cos kx x) (C cos ky y − D sin ky y) e−jβz
k 2c
jωµ ∂Hz
Ey =
k 2c ∂x
jωµ
= kx (A cos kx x − B sin kx x) (C sin ky y + D cos ky y) e−jβz
k 2c

Now imposing the boundary conditions

Ex (x, 0, z) = 0 gives C = 0

Ex (x, b, z) = 0; sin ky b = 0

ky b = nπ n = 0, 1, 2, 3, · · ·
nπ
ky =
b
Ey (0, y, z) = 0 gives A = 0

Ey (a, y, z) = 0; sin kx a = 0

kx a = mπ m = 0, 1, 2, 3, · · ·
mπ
kx =
a

33
Therefore the longitudinal magnetic field wave will be given by

mπx nπy −jβz

Hz = BD cos cos e
a b

letting BD = Hmn

mπx nπy −jβz

Hz = Hmn cos cos e ; m = 0, 1, 2, 3, · · ·
a b
n = 0, 1, 2, 3, · · ·

m = n = 0 is not allowed for TE mode since it will make all the transverse field components to be
equal to zero
The resulting transverse fields for the waveguide TE modes

jωµ  nπ  mπx nπy −jβz

Ex = 2
Hmn cos sin e
kc b a b
−jωµ  mπ  mπx nπy −jβz
Ey = 2
Hmn sin cos e
kc a a b
−jβ ∂Hz −jβ  mπ  mπx nπy −jβz
Hx = 2
= 2
Hmn sin cos e
kc ∂x kc a a b
−jβ ∂Hz −jβ  nπ  mπx nπy −jβz
Hy = = 2 Hmn cos sin e
kc2 ∂y kc b a b

and the longitudinal fields are

mπx nπy −jβz

Hz = Hmn cos cos e
a b
Ez = 0

summary of modes in a rectangular waveguide

T Mmn T Emn

n=1 n=2 n=3 n=0 n=1 n=2 n=3

m=1 11 12 13 m=0 × 01 02 03
m=2 21 22 23 m=1 10 11 12 13
m=3 31 32 33 m=2 20 21 22 23
..
. m=3 30 31 32 33

2.4.3 TE and TM modes in a rectangular waveguide

The propagation constant for both TE and TM waveguide modes is given by

p
βmn = 2 − k2
kmn c

34
 q

= 2 − k2 + k2
kmn x y
q
kc = kx2 + ky2
r
mπ 2  nπ 2
= +
a b
r  mπ 2  nπ 2
β = ω 2 µ − −
a b

β must be real for propagation to occur. Cutoff occurs when β = 0 or

 mπ 2  nπ 2
ω 2 µ = −
a b

From which
r
1 mπ 2  nπ 2
fcmn = √ +
2π µ a b
r 
1 m 2  n 2
= √ +
2 µ a b

fcmn is dependent on the dimension of the waveguide, the material inside the waveguide and the
indices of the mode. The rectangular waveguide must be operated at a frequency above the cutoff
frequency for respective mode to propagate

2.5 Circular waveguides

This is a popular waveguide geometry other

than the rectangular cross-section. It is very
attractive owing to its ease in manufacturing
and low attenuation of the TE0n modes. It
has a drawback of having fixed bandwidth be-
tween modes. It support both TE and TM
waveguide modes. Figure 4 show the geome-
try of a circular waveguide with inner radius
a. Because of the geometry, it is easy to em-
ploy cylindrical coordinates. Figure 4: Geometry of a circular waveguide

2.5.1 Introduction to cylindrical coordinates

The circular cylindrical coordinate system is very convenient whenever we are dealing with problems
having cylindrical symmetry. A point P in cylindrical coordinates is represented as (ρ, φ, z) and

35
 (a) Coordinates (b) Unit vector

Figure 5: Cylindrical coordinates

is as shown in Figure. Observe closely and note how we define each space variable: ρ is the radius
of the cylinder passing through P or the radial distance from the z-axis: φ, called the azimuthal
angle, is measured from the x-axis in the xy-plane; and z is the same as in the Cartesian system.
The ranges of the variables are

0 ≤ ρ<∞

0 ≤ φ < 2π

−∞ < z < ∞

A vector A in cylindrical coordinates can be written as

A = Aρ âρ + Aφ âφ + Az âz

where âρ , âφ and âz are mutually perpendicular unit vectors in the direction of ρ, φ and z respec-
tively. âρ points in the direction of increasing ρ, âφ in the direction of φ and âz in the positive z
direction. Thus

âρ · âρ = âφ · âφ = âz · âz = 1

âρ · âφ = âφ · âz = âz · âρ = 0

âρ × âφ = âz

âφ × âz = âρ

36
 âz × âρ = âφ

The relationships between (x,y,z) of the cartesian coordinates and (ρ,φ,z) are

x = ρ cos φ y = ρ sin φ z=z

p y
ρ = x2 + y 2 φ = tan−1 z=z
x

Similarly, the relationships between (âx ,ây ,âz ) of the cartesian coordinates and (âρ ,âφ ,âz ) are ob-
tained geometrically as

Figure 6: Relationship between unit vectors

âx = cos φâρ − sin φâφ

ây = cos φâρ + cos φâφ

âz = âz

Extending this argument, curl of a vector A in cylindrical coordinates is expressed as

âρ ρâφ âz

1 ∂ ∂ ∂
∇×A= ∂ρ ∂φ ∂z
ρ
Aρ ρAφ Az

2.5.2 Fields in cylindrical coordinates

Again assuming a source free region with e−jβz dependence

∇ × E = −jωµH
âρ âφ âz
1 ∂ ∂ ∂
= ∂ρ ∂φ ∂z
ρ
Eρ Eφ Ez

37
      
âρ ∂Ez ∂Eφ âφ ∂Ez ∂Eφ âz ∂Eφ ∂Eρ
= − − − + −
ρ ∂φ ∂z ρ ∂ρ ∂z ρ ∂ρ ∂φ
= −jωµ (Hρ âρ + Hφ âφ + Hz âz )

∂
which on equating and replacing ∂z with jβ gives
 
1 ∂Ez
− jβEφ = −jωµHρ
ρ ∂φ
 
∂Ez
− jβEφ = jωµHφ (33)
∂ρ
 
1 ∂Eφ ∂Eρ
− = −jωµHz
ρ ∂ρ ∂φ
Similarly for the second curl equation
 
1 ∂Hz
− jβHφ = jωEρ
ρ ∂φ
 
∂Hz
− jβHφ = −jωEφ (34)
∂ρ
 
1 ∂Hφ ∂Eρ
− = jωHz
ρ ∂ρ ∂φ
solving equations 33 and 34 for the transverse fields in terms of longitudinal components
 
−j ∂Ez ωµ ∂Hz
Eρ = β +
kc2 ∂ρ ρ ∂φ
 
−j β ∂Ez ωµ ∂Hz
Eφ = −
kc2 ρ ∂φ ρ ∂ρ
  (35)
j ω ∂Ez ∂Hz
Hρ = −β
kc2 ρ ∂φ ∂ρ
 
−j ∂Ez β ∂Hz
Hφ = ω +
kc2 ∂ρ ρ ∂φ
where kc2 = k 2 − β 2

2.5.3 TE mode for circular waveguides

For T E mode, Ez = 0 and Hz is the solution of the wave equation

∇2 Hz + k 2 Hz = 0 (36)

Letting Hz (ρ, φ, z) = hz (ρ, φ)e−jβz , can be rewritten as

1 ∂2
 
∂ 1 ∂ 2 2
+ + − β + k hz (ρ, φ) = 0 (37)
∂ρ2 ρ ∂ρ ρ2 ∂φ2
Further, letting hz (ρ, φ) = R(ρ)P (φ) and applying the method of separation of variables yields
1 d2 R 1 dR 1 d2 P
+ + + kc2 = 0
R dρ2 ρR dρ ρ2 P dφ2

38
or
ρ2 d2 R ρ dR 2 2 1 d2 P
+ + ρ k c = −
R dρ2 R dρ P dφ2
2 , then
equating the two sides of the equation to a constant kphi

1 d2 P 2
− = kphi
P dφ2
1 d2 P
+ kφ2 = 0
P dφ2

solves to
P (φ) = A sin kφ φ + B cos kφ φ

Because, the solution hz must be periodic in φ, kφ must be an integer n making

P (φ) = A sin nφ + B cos nφ

For

ρ2 d2 R ρ dR
2
+ + ρ2 kc2 = n2 on rearranging
R dρ R dρ
d2 R dR
ρ2 2 + ρ + R(ρ2 kc2 − n2 ) = 0
dρ dρ

which is a Bessel equation whose solution is

R(ρ) = CJn (kc ρ) + DYn (kc ρ) (38)

It turns out that Yn (x) → ∞ as ρ → 0. Clearly, ρ = 0 is in the domain of the waveguide.

Physically, however, we can’t have infinite field intensity at this point. This leads us to conclude
that D = 0 . We now have

Hz (ρ, φ, z) = (A sin kφ φ + B cos kφ φ)Jn (kc ρ) (39)

where the constant C has been absorbed into the constants A and B. To determine the cutoff
wave number kc , we enforce the boundary condition that Etan = 0 on the waveguide wall. Because
Ez = 0, we must have that
Eφ = 0 at ρ = a

Eφ can be found from Hz as

jωµ
Eφ = (A sin nφ + B cos nφ)Jn0 (kc ρ)e−jβz
kc

39
where the notation Jn0 (kc ρ) refers to the derivative of Jn0 (kc ρ) with respect to its argument. For Eφ
to vanish at ρ = a, we must have
Jn0 (kc ρ) = 0 (40)

So
p0nm
kc a = p0nm → kc =
a
where p0nm is the nth zero of Jn0 (kc ρ), n refers to the number of circumferential (φ) variations and
m refers to the number of radial (ρ) variations. The propagation constant of the T Enm mode is
p
βnm = k 2 − kc2
s  0 2
pnm
= k2 −
a
with a cutoff frequency of
kc
fcnm = √
2π µε
p0nm
= √
2πa µε
The first TE mode to propagate is the mode with the smallest p0nm , is seen to be the T E11 mode.
This mode is therefore the dominant circular waveguide mode and the one most frequently used.
Because m ≥ 1, there is no T E10 mode, but there is a T E01 mode.
The transverse field components are
−jωµn
Eρ = (A cos nφ − B sin nφ)Jn (kc ρ)e−jβz
kc2 ρ
jωµ
Eφ = (A sin nφ + B cos nφ)Jn0 (kc ρ)e−jβz
kc
−jβ
Hρ = (A sin nφ + B cos nφ)Jn0 (kc ρ)e−jβz
kc
−jβn
Hφ = (A cos nφ − B sin nφ)Jn (kc ρ)e−jβz
kc2 ρ
The wave impedance is
Eρ −Eφ ηk
ZT E = = =
Hφ Hρ β

2.5.4 TM Modes

For the TM modes of the circular waveguide, we must solve for Ez from the wave equation in
cylindrical coordinates. The derivation is the same as for Hz except that we are solving for Ez . We
can therefore write
Ez (ρ, φ, z) = (A sin kφ φ + B cos kφ φ)Jn (kc ρ)e−jβz (41)

40
 The boundary condition in this case is Ez (a, φ, z) = 0 or Jn (kc a) = 0. This leads to
pnm
kc =
a
where pnm is the mt h root of Jn (x), that is, Jn (pnm) = 0. Values of pn m are given in mathematical
tables in Appendix A.
The propagation constant of the T Mnm mode is
p
βnm = k 2 − kc2
r  p 2
nm
= k2 −
a
with a cutoff frequency of
kc
fcnm = √
2π µε
pnm
= √
2πa µε
Thus, the first TM mode to propagate is the T M01 mode, with p01 = 2.405. Because this is
greater than p011 = 1.841 for the lowest order T E11 mode, the T E11 mode is the dominant mode of
the circular waveguide. As with the T E modes, m ≥ 1, so there is no T M10 mode.
The transverse fields can be derived as
−jβ
Eρ = (A sin nφ + B cos nφ)Jn0 (kc ρ)e−jβz
kc
−jβn
Eφ = (A cos nφ − B sin nφ)Jn (kc ρ)e−jβz
kc2 ρ
jωεn
Hρ = (A cos nφ − B sin nφ)Jn (kc ρ)e−jβz
kc2 ρ
−jωε
Hφ = (A sin nφ + B cos nφ)Jn0 (kc ρ)e−jβz
kc
The wave impedance is
Eρ −Eφ ηβ
ZT M = = =
Hφ Hρ k

2.5.5 Disadvantages of circular waveguide over rectangular waveguide

i. The first drawback associated with the circular waveguide is that its cross section will be
much bigger in area than that of a corresponding rectangular waveguide used to carry the
same signal.

ii. Another problem with circular waveguide is that it is possible for the plane of polarisation to
rotate during the waves travel through waveguide. This may happen because of roughness and
discontinuities in the wall at departure from circular cross section.

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2.5.6 Advantages of circular waveguide over rectangular waveguide

i. It is easier to manufacture than rectangular waveguide.

ii. They are also easier to join together.

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