Low loss phase shifter based on piezo-controlled layered dielectric structure

Layered structure made of high-/spl epsiv/ dielectric and piezo-controlled air slot, filling various type waveguides, is used as tunable low loss wide-band phase shifter. A contemporary piezoelectric actuator is employed for fast variation of air slot width. This alteration results in considerable change in effective dielectric constant /spl epsiv//sub ef/ of the structure. Using high quality microwave dielectrics, it is possible to realize low loss phase shifters in the microwave as well as in the millimeter wave region.