Investigations into Helix Slow-Wave Structure Assisted by Double-Negative Metamaterial

A helical slow-wave structure consisting of a metallic helix supported by double-negative metamaterial (DNG-MTM) rods, symmetrically arranged around the helix, in a metal envelope was analyzed, considering the frequency-dependent permeability and the permittivity of the DNG-MTM following Lorentz and Drude models. The analysis was validated against the 3-D electromagnetic simulation using CST Studio and was extended for studying the effects of the DNG-MTM parameters on the dispersion and interaction impedance of the structure. Tunability of the structure over multiple-frequency bands was also demonstrated. The possible means of metal MTM layering of the radial faces of the discrete support rods were suggested in a more realistic structure configuration. The structure exhibited a high value of interaction impedance as compared to its traditional counterpart, promising enhanced device efficiency and miniaturization. The structure has potential applications in backward-wave amplifiers and backward-wave oscillators.