Computation of complex resonant frequencies of dielectric resonators using a volumetric electric field integral equation formulation

Abstract

Dielectric resonators (DRs) are important elements of microwave integrated circuits, and are also used as millimeter wave DR antennas. Dielectric resonators are useful due to their small size, mechanical simplicity, relatively large bandwidth, simple coupling schemes to nearly all commonly used transmission lines, and their absence of conduction loss. When the DR is applied in a microwave circuit it is important to determine its resonant frequency, quality factor (Q-factor), and coupling factor. Cylindrical DRs may be analyzed by body of revolution methods, but there are few rigorous methods to study rectangular ones other that finite elements or finite difference techniques. We present a volumetric electric field integral equation formulation in conjunction with an entire domain Galerkin's method of moments solution to study the resonant frequencies and Q-factors of both cylindrical and rectangular DRs in general multilayered media. A three dimensional Fourier series basis function set is used, which contain as a subset the perfect magnetic conductor wall cavity modes.