Experimental Study of the W-Band Dielectric-Guide Y-Branch Interferometer

Applicability of a W-band dielectric-guide Y-branch (DGY) interferometer as a modulator, switching element for the millimeter-wave planar dielectric-guide integrated circuits is established, The switching element includes a phase shifter formed by a metal wall proximate to a dielectric guide. The influence of the branches asymmetry on the on/off switching ratio was measured, found to comply with theory. On/off switching ratios of about 25 dB were obtained over a 98-104-GHz frequency range.