Electromagnetic waves scattering by cylindrical dielectric structures: Application to microwave devices design

A method which allows us to analyze the electromagnetic scattering characteristics of multiple discontinuities in shielded dielectric waveguides is presented. There are not restrictions both geometry of the cross section and electrical parameters of the dielectrics which are assumed to be linear, inhomogeneous, isotropic and free from losses. Each discontinuity is analyzed combining a modal matching technique with a generalized telegraphist's equations formulation; in this way, we obtain its scattering matrix. By using the concept of the generalized scattering matrix of two discontinuities, the equivalent generalized scattering matrix (EGSM) of the cascaded set is calculated. Theoretical and experimental results were obtained for different dielectric structures such as dielectric posts, isolated and coupled, as well as dielectric waveguides with circular cross section connected by means of abrupt and gradual transitions. The experimental values for the scattering properties show a good agrement with the theoretical ones. This study has shown the possibility of using cylindrical dielectric structures to design microwave devices such as: resonators, power-dividers and filters.