Flexible circular waveguides at millimeter wavelengths from metallized Teflon tubing

摘要

Flexible waveguides for use at millimeter wavelengths have been fabricated by deposition of metallic film onto the composite-modified inside surface of Teflon tubing. The attenuation characteristics in the range 80 to 115 GHz show losses on the order of 0.1 dB/cm. Bending, twisting, and rotating to the limit of plastic mechanical stability (curvature radius typically <8 cm) have a negligible effect on the attenuation, and bend angles >or=45 degrees produce relatively small changes in the insertion phase.