One dimensional clustered dielectric particle (CDP) parallel-plate waveguide (PPWG) structure

Recently, metamaterials (MTMs) [1] have drawn considerable attention in the engineering and physics communities. Most of the MTMs reported to date are constituted of metallic inclusions periodically arranged in a host dielectric medium. Due to the presence of metal, which exhibits prohibitive losses at high frequencies, these MTMs are practically restricted to a frequency band below 100 GHz. In addition, metal-made structures, even at the low-end of the microwave range, are prone to short-circuiting and parasitic coupling with circuitry when used as a substrate in planar technologies. Therefore, purely dielectric MTM structures are strongly needed, to provide both optical MTMs and efficient microwave materials.