Estimation of conductivity losses in a helix slow-wave structure using eigen-mode solutions

This paper presents a simple method of estimating the attenuation constant due to conductivity losses and surface finish in a helix slow-wave structure, using the quality factor and dispersion characteristics obtainable from the eigen-mode solutions through 3D HFSS modeling. The method has been benchmarked against two practical structures published in the literature, and effect of surface finish on the attenuation constant is demonstrated.