PTFE-Based Circular Terahertz Dielectric Waveguides

Abstract

This paper presents the transmission characteristics of flexible solid circular dielectric waveguides in the terahertz frequency band. In this paper, we measured the electrical properties of certain polymers within 325–500 GHz. Through simulation and measurement, the transmission loss, bending loss, and electric field distribution of solid-core polymer dielectric waveguides were analyzed and discussed. Additionally, we considered the surrounding cladding of the dielectric waveguide, the signal-feeding mode transmitter, and the interconnection of the dielectric waveguide. Ultimately, in the operating frequency range of 325–500 GHz, we selected PTFE rods with diameters of 0.5 mm and 1 mm as the dielectric waveguides, with measured transmission loss of less than 30 dB/m and 33 dB/m, respectively, and bending loss of less than 1 dB/m. The described dielectric waveguide has engineering significance for short-distance connections in complex geometric environments and provides a reference for subsequent research.