A Non-Contacting Tunable Waveguide Backshort for Terahertz Applications

A non-contacting tunable backshort for terahertz applications is presented. In addition to improving the coupling between terahertz rectangular waveguide and planar microstrip feed structures, the new design addresses issues associated with the strict fabrication tolerance required for fixed backshorts operating at submillimeter wavelengths. The proposed backshort structure consists of periodic conducting patches supported by a dielectric substrate and its planar configuration is amenable to fabrication using standard photolithographic processing. Simulation results are presented for a 1.6 THz design and a scaled model of the backshort operating at V-band (50-75 GHz) is demonstrated and characterized to verify its operation