Electromagnetics for Engineering Students, 2017, 645-714 645

CHAPTER 10
Rectangular Waveguides
Abstract: The transmission media may be unbounded as free space or bounded. The
behavior of electromagnetic waves in unbounded media has been dealt with in Chapter
8. The bounded media are structures that are constructed from conducting or/and
dielectric materials such as transmission lines, waveguides, and optical fiber cables.
Waveguides are constructed from metallic tubes filled with a dielectric material or
dielectric slabs with a rectangular, circular or elliptical cross section. This chapter deals
with a metallic waveguide of rectangular cross section. The general equations that
govern the electromagnetic waves propagation in the waveguide are derived starting
from Maxwell's equations. These general equations are used to analyze the behavior of
electromagnetic waves and power flow in the metallic waveguide of a rectangular cross
section. The topics of the chapter are analyzed in details and supported by numerous
illustrative examples and figures in addition to solved problems. Homework problems
are included at the end of the chapter.

Keywords: Attenuation constant, cut-off frequency, cut-off wavelength, group

velocity, phase constant, phase velocity, propagation constant, transverse electric
field, transverse electric and magnetic field, transverse magnetic field, wave
impedance.

INTRODUCTION
It has been mentioned in Chapter 8 that the information in communication
systems is transmitted through different media in a form of electromagnetic
energy at high frequencies. These media which are referred to as transmission
media may be unbounded or bounded. The behavior of electromagnetic waves in
unbounded media has been dealt with in Chapter 8. In the bounded media the
electromagnetic energy is guided through structures that are constructed from
conducting or/and dielectric materials. These guiding structures must be designed
properly to transfer the electromagnetic energy efficiently without degradation in
the performance of the communications system. The common bounded media are
the transmission lines, waveguides, and optical fiber cables.
The optical fiber cables are constructed from two coaxial dielectrics of cylindrical
geometry and different permittivity. The inner dielectric is called the core and the
outer one surrounds the core and called the cladding. The energy is transmitted
through the optical fiber at optical frequencies by the total internal reflection at
Sameir M. Ali Hamed
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646 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

the interface between the core and cladding [109, 110]. The transmission lines,
which will be discussed in details in Chapter 13, are made from two or more
conductors separated by a dielectric material. The waveguides are constructed
from metallic tubes filled with a dielectric material or dielectric slabs with a
rectangular, circular or elliptical cross section. Although the transmission lines are
sometimes classified as special waveguides, they are different from them in many
aspects. The main differences between them can be summarized as follows:
1. Geometrical Structure: The waveguide may be a metallic tube filled with a
dielectric material or a dielectric slab/rod with a rectangular, circular, or
elliptical cross section. The most common waveguides are those of
rectangular and circular cross sections and they are referred to as rectangular
and circular waveguides respectively. On the other hand, the transmission line
is constructed from two metallic lines or more, separated by a dielectric
material. Fig. (10.1) shows some types of waveguides.
2. Propagation Mode: The electromagnetic waves in the waveguides, always has
at least one of the electric or magnetic field components in the direction of
propagation, while the transmission lines can support all modes of
propagation.

(a) (b) (c)

Fig. (10.1). (a) Rectangular waveguide. (b) Coaxial cable. (c) Circular waveguide.

3. Operating Frequency Range: The waveguide permits the propagation of

electromagnetic waves only if their frequencies are higher than a certain
frequency that known as the cut-off frequency. Electromagnetic waves with
frequencies lower than the cut-off frequency cannot propagate in the
waveguide. Since the cut-off frequency is inversely proportional to the
dimensions of the cross section of the waveguide, the cut-off frequency must
be high enough, so that practical waveguides can be realized. Therefore, the
waveguides cannot transmit DC signals or signals with low frequencies. On
the other hand, there are no cut-off frequencies for transmission lines and they
can transmit signals in a wide range of frequencies including DC signals.
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 647

4. Attenuation: The attenuation in the waveguides is much less than in the

transmission lines at the high frequencies. The attenuation in the transmission
lines increases with the frequency due to the high ohmic and dielectric losses.
This makes the transmission lines are not useful for power transmission
beyond certain frequencies and the waveguides are more efficient for the
electromagnetic power transmission at these high frequencies.
5. Wave Velocity: The wave velocity in the waveguide depends on the wave
frequency, while the wave velocity in a lossless transmission line is constant
at all frequencies and depends only on its geometry and material.
6. Wave Impedance: the wave Impedance of the waveguide depends on the
operating frequency, while that of a lossless transmission line depends only
on the geometry and the material of the line.

In this chapter, the general formulations that govern the electromagnetic waves
propagation in the waveguide are derived starting from Maxwell's equations.
These general equations are used to analyze the behavior of electromagnetic
waves and power flow in the metallic waveguide of a rectangular cross section.
The topic of rectangular waveguides is covered also in references [18, 19] and
[93]. For more advanced treatment on the topic of rectangular waveguides, their
method of excitation and applications, the student may refer to [92, 98, 111-122].

10.1. PROPAGATION MODES

Assuming that the longitudinal axis of the waveguides is parallel to z-axis, then
the waves will travel in the direction of z-axis and the xy plane is the transverse
plane. The instantaneous electromagnetic fields E
and H
in the waveguide are
considered to be time-harmonic fields with the time dependence factor e j ω t and
propagation constant
= jβ
. The electromagnetic fields E
and H
are
defined in terms of the spatial components E s and H s as follows

Eg ( x, y, z, t ) = Etg + a zE zg = Re[Ese j ωt ] (10.1)

H g ( x, y, z, t ) = H tg + a z H zg = Re[Hse j ωt ] (10.2)

where E t
and H t
are the transverse instantaneous electric and magnetic fields.
E z
and H z
are the instantaneous electric and magnetic fields in the direction of
propagation respectively.
648 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

The spatial fields E s and H s can be expressed as

Es (x, y, z ) = E(x, y ) e
− jβ g z
(10.3)
H s ( x, y , z ) = H ( x , y ) e
− jβ
z
(10.4)

where E and H are complex vectors that are independent of z. These vectors can
be decomposed into transverse components Et and Ht , and z-directed
components Ez and H z as follows

E = Et + az Ez (10.5)
H = Ht + a z H z (10.6)

The electromagnetic fields propagate through the waveguide in different modes

based on the geometry and the material of the waveguide.

10.1.1. Transverse Electric and Magnetic Fields (TEM)

In this case, both the electric field and magnetic field are perpendicular to the
direction of propagation and there are no any field components in the direction of
propagation. Fig. (10.2) shows the rectangular and cylindrical coordinates for the
TEM electromagnetic fields. The TEM fields satisfy

Ez = H z = 0 (10.7a)
E = Et (10.7b)
H = Ht (10.7c)

y Ez = Hz = 0 y
Direction of Direction of Eρ
propagation Hy propagation
Ey
Hφ
z Ex z Hρ
Eφ
Hx
Transverse Plane x Transverse Plane x
(a) (b)
Fig. (10.2). TEM mode: (a) rectangular coordinates. (b) Cylindrical coordinates.
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 649

10.1.2. Transverse Electric Field (TE)

When only the electric field is always perpendicular to the direction of
propagation and has no component in the direction of propagation as shown in
Fig. (10.3), the mode of propagation is known as transverse electric field (TE)
mode. TE mode fields satisfy

Ez = 0 , H z ≠ 0 (10.8a)
E = Et (10.8b)
H = Ht + a z H z (10.8c)

y Ez = 0 y
Direction of Direction of Eρ
propagation propagation
Hy Ey
Hφ
z Ex z Hρ
Hz Eφ
Hz
Hx

Transverse Plane x Transverse Plane x

(a) (b)

Fig. (10.3). TE mode: (a) Rectangular coordinates. (b) Cylindrical coordinates.

10.1.3. Transverse Magnetic Field (TM)

In this case, the magnetic field is always perpendicular to the direction of
propagation and has no component in the direction of propagation, while the
electric field has a component in the direction of propagation as illustrated in Fig.
(10.4), the mode of propagation is known as transverse magnetic field (TM)
mode. TM mode fields satisfy

Ez ≠ 0 , H z = 0 (10.9a)
E = Et + az Ez (10.9b)
H = Ht (10.9c)
650 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

Hz = 0
y y
Direction of Direction of Eρ
propagation propagation
Hy Ey
Ez
Ez Hφ
z Ex z Hρ
Eφ
Hx

Transverse Plane x Transverse Plane x

(a) (b)

Fig. (10.4). TM mode: (a) Rectangular coordinates. (b) Cylindrical coordinates.

10.1.4. Hybrid Mode

In this case, both the electric field and magnetic field has components in the
direction of propagation in addition to transverse components. This mode is
known as the Hybrid Mode or HE mode and can exist only in the dielectric slabs
waveguides. Figure (10.5) shows rectangular and cylindrical coordinates for the
HE electromagnetic fields. The HE fields satisfy

Ez ≠ 0 , H z ≠ 0 (10.10a)
E = Et + az Ez (10.10b)
H = Ht + a z H z (10.10c)

y y
Direction of Direction of Eρ
propagation propagation
Hy Ey
Ez Ez
Hφ
z Ex z Hρ
Hz Eφ
Hz
Hx

Transverse Plane x Transverse Plane x

(a) (b)
Fig. (10.5). HE mode: (a) Rectangular coordinates. (b) Cylindrical coordinates.
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 651

10.2. GENERAL ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS EQUATIONS

It is required to find the electromagnetic fields propagating in a waveguide which

is made of a good electric conducting material (σ ≈ ∞) and filled with a lossless
dielectric of permittivity ε = εrε0 and permeability μ. The electromagnetic fields
propagating in the waveguide can be obtained by solving Maxwell\s equation and
applying the boundary conditions at the boundaries of the waveguide. Since the
fields inside the waveguide propagate in a source-free and charge-free medium,
then the fields E
and H
inside the waveguide satisfy Maxwell’s equations for
source-free and charge-free medium which can be written as

∇ × E
= − j ωμ H
(10.11a)
∇ × H
= j ωε E
(10.11b)
∇ ⋅ E
= 0 (10.11c)
∇⋅H
= 0 (10.11d)

The operator ∇ can be written in the form two components, one is the transverse
component ∇t = a x ∂ ∂x + a y ∂ ∂y and the other in the direction of propagation
a z ∂ ∂z , as

∂
∇ = ∇t + a z (10.12)
∂z

Substituting E
, H
, and ∇  from (10.1), (10.2), and (10.12) respectively, into

(10.11a) - (10.11d) , yields

⎛ ∂⎞
⎜ ∇t + a z ⎟ × (Et + a z Ez )e g = − j ωμ (H t + a z H z )e g
− jβ z − jβ z
(10.13a)
⎝ ∂z ⎠
⎛ ∂⎞
⎜ ∇t + a z ⎟ × (H t + a z H z )e g = j ωε(Et + a z Ez )e g
− jβ z − jβ z
(10.13b)
⎝ ∂z ⎠
⎛ ∂⎞
⎜ ∇t + a z ⎟ ⋅ (Et + a z Ez )e g = 0
− jβ z
(10.13c)
⎝ ∂z ⎠
⎛ ∂⎞
⎜ ∇t + a z ⎟ ⋅ (H t + a z H z )e g = 0
− jβ z
(10.13d)
⎝ ∂z ⎠
652 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

Equating the transverse components and z components in both sides of equations

(10.13a) – (10.13d), we can obtain the general equations that govern the
electromagnetic waves propagation in the waveguide as
− jβ
z − jβ
z
∇ t × Et e = −a z j ωμ H z e (10.14a)
∂ − jβ z − jβ z − jβ z
az × Et e
+ ∇t × a z Ez e
= − j ωμ Ht e
(10.14b)
∂z
− jβ z − jβ z
∇t × H t e
= a z j ωε Ez e
(10.14c)
∂ − jβ z − jβ z − jβ z
a z × H t e
+ ∇t × a z H z e
= j ωε Et e
(10.14d)
∂z
− jβ z ∂ − jβ z
∇ t ⋅ Et e
= − E z e
(10.14e)
∂z
− jβ z ∂ − jβ z
∇t ⋅ H t e
= − H z e
(10.14f)
∂z

Since Et , Ht , Ez , and H z are independent of z , we can put ∂ ∂z = − jβ g in

− jβ
z
(10.14a) – (10.14f) and suppress the factor e in both sides of each equation.
Doing this, we obtain

∇t × Et = −az j ωμ H z (10.15a)
− jβ
a z × Et + ∇t × a z Ez = − j ωμ Ht (10.15b)
∇t × Ht = a z j ωε Ez (10.15c)
− jβ
a z × Ht + ∇t × a z H z = j ωε Et (10.15d)
∇ t ⋅ E t = jβ g E z (10.15e)
∇ t ⋅ H t = jβ g H z (10.15f)

Taking the curl in the transverse direction of both sides of (10.15d), then

− jβ
∇t × a z × Ht + ∇t × ∇t × a z H z = j ωε ∇t × Et (10.16)

Using the vector identity A × B × C = (A ⋅ C)B − (A ⋅ B)C, (10.16) becomes

− jβ
[(∇t ⋅ H t )a z − (∇t ⋅ a z )H t ] + [(∇t ⋅ a z )a z − (∇t ⋅ ∇t )a z ]H z

(10.17)
= j ωε (− a z j ωμ H z )
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 653

Note that in (10.17), ∇t ⋅ a z = 0 and ∇ t ⋅ ∇ t = ∇ t2 . Substituting ∇ t ⋅ H t from

(10.15f) into (10.17) and letting β = ω με with simplification, the following
wave equation can be obtained

( )
∇t2 H z + β 2 − βg2 H z = 0 (10.18)

Similarly, taking the curl of both sides of (10.15b) and using (10.15e), a similar
wave equation for the electric field Ez can be obtained as

( )
∇t2 Ez + β 2 − βg2 Ez = 0 (10.19)

where β is the phase constant of plane waves propagating in the medium that fills
the waveguide, and β
is the phase constant of the waves E
, H
in the
waveguide.
Taking the curl of (10.15c) and using (10.15f), we get

jβg ∇t H z − ∇t2Ht = j ωε ∇t × a z Ez (10.20)

Vector multiplication of both sides of (10.15d) by a z with simplification, yields

jβ g H t + ∇ t H z = j ωε a z × Et (10.21)

( )
Multiplying (10.21) by − jβ g and add the result to (10.21), we get

βg2Ht − ∇t2Ht = − jβg × j ωε a z × Et + j ωε ∇t × a z Ez (10.22)

Multiplying (10.15d) by ( j ωε ), yields

− jβg × j ωε a z × Et + j ωε ∇t × a z Ez = β 2Ht (10.23)

From (10.22) and (10.23), the wave equation for Ht can be obtained as

( )
∇t2Ht + β 2 − βg2 Ht = 0 (10.24)
654 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

Following the same analysis using (10.15a), (10.15b) (10.15d) and (10.15e), the
wave equation for Et can be obtained as

(
∇t2Et + β 2 − βg2 Et = 0) (10.25)

Equations (10.15a) – (10.15f), (10.18), (10.19), (10.24), and (10.25) give the
general relations between the transverse electromagnetic fields Et and Ht and
the field components in the direction of propagation Ez and H z for an arbitrary
waveguide. The TEM mode case equations listed in the left column of Table 10.1
are obtained by letting Ez = H z = 0 in (10.15a) – (10.15f). The equations
governing the TE and TM modes cases listed in Table 10.1 are obtained by letting
Ez = 0 for the TE case and H z = 0 for the TM case in (10.15a) – (10.15f). The
behavior of the electromagnetic fields in the waveguide is determined by (10.18)
and (10.19) for the TE and TM modes respectively. Therefore, the starting point
in the analysis of the characteristics of the electromagnetic fields in the waveguide
is to solve these equations. The steps showing how to find the electromagnetic
fields in the waveguides for different modes of propagation are detailed in the
next sections.

Table 10.1. General equations for the TEM, TE, and TM Modes.
 TEM TE TM
Ez = H z = 0 Ez = 0 , H z ≠ 0 H z = 0 , Ez ≠ 0
I ∇ t × Et = 0 ∇t × Et = −a z j ωμ H z ∇ t × Et = 0
ωμ ωμ j ωμ
II a z × Et = Ht a z × Et = Ht a z × Et − ∇t × a z Ez = Ht
βg βg βg jβ g

III ∇t × H t = 0 ∇t × H t = 0 ∇t × H t = a z j ωε Ez

ωε
IV a z × Ht = − Et j ωε ωε
βg a z × Ht + ∇ t × a z H z = − Et a z × Ht = − Et
βg βg βg

V ∇ t ⋅ Et = 0 ∇ t ⋅ Et = 0 ∇t ⋅ Et = jβg Ez

VI ∇t ⋅ Ht = 0 ∇t ⋅ Ht = jβ g H z ∇t ⋅ Ht = 0
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 655

10.2.1. TEM Mode Fields

In the waveguides supporting TEM mode waves, the potential gradient between
the conductors of the waveguides can be used to find the transverse electric field,
then the equations in the left column in Table 10.1 can be used to find other
electromagnetic fields components. If the electric potential at any point is V , then

Et = −∇tV (10.26)

Using equation TEM-V in Table 10.1, Laplace equation can be obtained as

∇t V = 0
2
(10.27)

Laplace equation in (10.26) along with the equations TEM-I to TEM-VI in Table
10.1 can be used to analyze the behavior of the TEM mode waves propagating in
a waveguide as in the following steps:

1. Solving Laplace equation in (10.27) to determine the distribution of the

electric potential V in the waveguide.

2. Substituting V into (10.26) to determine E t , then the time-harmonic electric

field in the waveguide can be obtained using

Eg = Re ⎡Et e ⎤
− j ( β g z −ω t )
(10.28)
⎢⎣ ⎥⎦

3. Substituting E t in equation TEM-II in Table 10.1, then Ht can be determined

from E t as

⎛β ⎞
Ht = ⎜⎜
⎟⎟ a z × Et (10.29)
⎝ ωμ ⎠

and the time-harmonic magnetic field can be obtained from

H g = Re ⎡Ht e ⎤
− j ( β g z −ω t )
(10.30)
⎢⎣ ⎥⎦
656 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

4. The instantaneous Poynting vector is given by

1
T = E
× H
∗ (10.31)
2
Since the fields in the waveguide are time-harmonic, then the average
Poynting vector Ta and the average power Pa crossing the area S in the
waveguide can be obtained using (7.153) and (7.154) respectively as

1
2
[ 1
]
Ta = Re Es × H∗s = Re E × H∗
2
[ ] (10.32)

1
[
Pa = ∫∫ Ta ⋅ dS = ∫∫ Re E × H∗ ⋅ dS
2 S
] (10.33)
S

5. The wave impedance of the TEM waveguide can be obtained using

Vo2
Zo = (10.34)
2Pa

where Vo is the electric potential difference between the conductors.

6. Applying Ampere’s law, the current in the conductors of the waveguide can
be obtained. Assume that l is a closed path enclosing the conductor of the
current I , then the current can be obtained using

I = ∫ H
⋅ dl (10.35)
l
Example 10.1
Using the TEM waveguide equations find the electromagnetic fields in the a long
parallel-plates line. Determine the intrinsic impedance of the line and the current
in each plate. The separation between the plates is d and the width of each plate
is w such that w >> d . One plate is grounded and the other is maintained at a
potential Vo . The line is filled with a dielectric with a permittivity ε .

Solution
The geometry of the problem is shown in Fig. (10.6). It is appropriate to use the
rectangular coordinates. Assuming the axis of the line is parallel to z-axis, then the
wave travels in the z direction.
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 657

The operators ∇ and ∇ t2 can be written as

∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂2 ∂2
∇ = ax + ay + az = ∇t + a z , ∇t = 2 + 2
2

∂x ∂y ∂z ∂z ∂x ∂y

The electric potential V between the plates satisfies Laplace equation in (10.7).
Assuming the planes of the plates are parallel to xy plane, then the Laplace
equation can be written as

∂ 2V ∂ 2V
∇t2V = + =0
∂x 2 ∂y 2

y V = V0

-w/2
z
ε, μ0 d
w/2

V=0
x
Fig. (10.6). The geometry of the problem of Example 10.1.

Since w >> d the edge fringing can be ignored, and V can be considered as
constant with x and varies with y only, then ∂V ∂x = ∂ 2V ∂x 2 = 0 and Laplace
equation reduces to

∂ 2V
=0
∂y 2

Integrating twice with respect to y , the solution can be obtained as

V ( y ) = K1 y + K2

where K1 and K2 are constants to be determined from the boundary conditions.

658 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

The boundary conditions are: at y = 0 , V = 0 and at y = d , V = V0 . Applying

these boundary conditions, then K1 = Vo d and K2 = 0 . Substituting K1 and K2
in the above solution, the potential between the plates can be obtained as

Vo
V (y) = y
d

Consequently, Et can be determined as follows

∂V ∂V V
E t = −∇ tV = −a x + ay = −a y o
∂x ∂y d

From (10.28), the instantaneous electric field in the line can be obtained as

⎡ Vo − j (ω t − β g z ) ⎤
E g = Re ⎢− a y e ⎥
⎣⎢ d ⎦⎥
V
= −a y o cos(ω t − β g z )
d

From (10.29), we have

Vo ⎛ β
⎞ β
Vo
Ht = − ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ a z × a y = a x
d ⎝ ωμ 0 ⎠ ωμ 0 d

y y
Ey
dS = az dxdy Hx
D Hx = 0
C

Hx d
d A B
x x
-w/2 0 w/2 -w/2 0 w/2

(a) (b)

 ) The electric  and magnetic fields  in  the xy plane.

Fig. (10.7). The parallel-plates transmission line. (a
(b) Application of Ampere’s law.
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 659

The instantaneous magnetic field is by substituting Ht in (10.30), as

⎡ β V − j (ω t − β ⎤ β V
H g = Re ⎢a x g o e g z)
⎥ = a x g o cos(ω t − β g z )
⎢⎣ ωμ 0 d ⎥⎦ ωμ 0 d

Note that the electric and magnetic fields are always orthogonal and uniformly
distributed in the xy plane for all z as shown in Fig. (10.7a). The average power
transmitted through the line can be obtained using (10.33) as

1 ⎡ Vo − jβ
z β
Vo jβ
z ⎤
Pa =
1
2 ∫∫
Re[E × H ∗
⋅ ]
dS = −
2 ⎣∫∫
Re ⎢
d
e a y × a x
ωμ 0 d
e ⋅ dS ⎥
S S ⎦

where dS = a z dxdy , then

1 ⎛V ⎞ β

2
⎡d +w 2 ⎤ 1 β
w
Pa = ⎜ o ⎟ Re ⎢ ∫ ∫ a z ⋅ a z dxdy ⎥ = Vo2
2 ⎝ d ⎠ ωμ 0 ⎣⎢ 0 − w 2 ⎦⎥ 2 ωμ 0 d

Using (10.34), the intrinsic impedance of the line is

Vo2 ωμ 0 d d d
Zo = = = μ0 ε = η
2 Pav β
w w w

where η = μ 0 ε is the plane wave impedance for the medium between the
plates. The current in the plates can be determined using Ampere’s law by
choosing the path ABCD shown in Fig. (10.7b) as
B
β g Vo C
β g Vo
I = ∫ H g ⋅ d l = ∫ ax cos(ω t − β g z ) ⋅ d l + ∫ a x cos(ω t − β g z ) ⋅ d l
l A
ωμ 0 d B
ωμ 0 d
D
β g Vo A
β V
+ ∫ ax cos(ω t − β g z ) ⋅ d l + ∫ a x g o cos(ω t − β g z ) ⋅ d l
C
ωμ 0 d D
ωμ 0 d

Since the magnetic field outside the plates is zero, the last term will be zero. The
integral along the path BC is equal and opposite in sign to the integral along the
path CD, and they cancel each other. The remaining integral is that in the first
660 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

term only in which d l = a x dx . Thus, the current in the upper and lower plates are
I and − I respectively, where
+w 2
β g Vo β Vw
I= cos(ω t − β g z ) ∫ a x ⋅ a x dx = g o cos(ω t − β g z )
ωμ 0 d −w 2
ωμ 0 d
V
= o cos(ω t − β g z )
Zo

Example 10.2
Using the TEM waveguide equations find the electromagnetic fields in the coaxial
cable if its inner and outer radii are a and b respectively. Assume that the cable is
long, and the outer conductor is grounded while the inner conductor is at a
potential Vo . The space between the conductors is filled with a dielectric with a
permittivity ε and permeability μ 0 . Determine the intrinsic impedance of the
cable and the current in the inner and outer conductors.

Solution
The geometry of the problem is shown in Fig. (10.8). It is suitable to use the
cylindrical coordinate systems. Assuming the axis of the line is parallel to the z-
axis, and then the wave travels in the z-direction. The electric potential V
between the plates satisfies Laplace equation in (10.27). Writing the operator ∇t
2

in cylindrical coordinates, the Laplace’s equation becomes

1 ∂ ⎛ ∂V ⎞ 1 ∂ 2V
⎜ρ ⎟+ =0
ρ ∂ρ ⎝⎜ ∂ρ ⎟⎠ ρ 2 ∂φ 2

B, Y0
b a
z
V = V0
V=0 x
Fig. (10.8). The Geometry of the problem in Example 10.2.
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 661

Since the cable is long, and V can be considered constant with φ and varies with
ρ only, then ∂V ∂φ = ∂ 2V ∂φ 2 = 0 and Laplace equation reduces to

1 ∂ ⎛ ∂V ⎞
⎜ρ ⎟=0
ρ ∂ρ ⎝⎜ ∂ρ ⎠⎟

Integrating twice with respect to ρ , yields

V (ρ ) = K1 ln ρ + K2

The boundary conditions are: at ρ = a , V = V0 and at ρ = b , V = 0 . Applying

these boundary conditions, then K1 = Vo ln(a b) and K 2 = −V0 ln b ln (b a) .
Substituting K1 and K2 in the above solution, the potential between the inner and
outer conductor can be obtained as

()
V ρ = V0 ln (b a) ln (b a)

Consequently, Et can be determined as follows

⎛ ∂V 1 ∂V ⎞ Vo
Et = −∇tV = −⎜⎜ a ρ + aφ ⎟⎟ = a ρ
⎝ ∂ρ ρ ∂φ ⎠ ρ ln (b a)

From (10.28), the instantaneous electric field in the cable is

⎡ Vo − j (ω t − β g z ) ⎤ Vo
E g = Re ⎢a ρ e ⎥ = aρ cos(ω t − βg z )
⎣ ρ ln (b a) ⎦ ρ ln (b a)

Substituting Et in (10.29), yields

Vo βg β Vo 1 Vo
Ht = − a z × a ρ = aφ g = aφ
d ωμ 0 ωμ 0 ρ ln (b a) μ 0 ε ρ ln (b a)
662 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

The instantaneous magnetic field in the line can be obtained by substituting Ht in

(10.30), then

⎡ 1 Vo − j (ω t − β g z )
⎤ 1 Vo
H g = Re ⎢aφ e ⎥ = aφ cos(ω t − β g z )
⎢⎣ μ 0 ε ρ ln (b a) ⎥⎦ μ 0 ε ρ ln (b a)

The electric and magnetic fields are always orthogonal and uniformly distributed
in the xy plane for all z as shown in Fig. (10.9a).

The average power transmitted through the line can be obtained using (10.33) as

1 ⎡ Vo − jβ z β Vo jβ z ⎤
Pa = − Re ⎢∫∫ e g a y × ax g e g ⋅ dS ⎥
2 ⎣ S ρ ln (b a) ωμ 0 ρ ln (b a) ⎦

where dS = a z ρdφdρ as clear from Fig. (10.9b), then

2
1 ⎡ Vo ⎤ βg ⎡ b 2π 1 ⎤ Vo πβg
2
1 π Vo 2
2 ⎣ ln(b a) ⎥⎦ ωμ 0 ⎣∫a ∫0 ρ
Pa = ⎢ Re ⎢ a z ⋅ a z dφ dρ ⎥ = =
⎦ ln(b a) ωμ 0 μ 0 ε ln(b a)

Using (10.34), the intrinsic impedance of the cable is

Vo2 ln(b a)
Zo = = μ0 ε
2 Pav 2π

y y dS = az ρdφ dρ
Eρ
Hφ
dφ

φ
ρ
x a x
b

(a) (b)
Fig. (10.9). The coaxial transmission line. (a) The electric and magnetic fields in the xy plane.
(b) The elementary surface area dS.
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 663

The currents in the inner and outer conductors are I and − I respectively. I can
be determined using Ampere’s law by choosing a closed circle of radius ρ
around the inner conductor, then d l = aφ ρ dφ . Consequently,

2π
βg Vo
I = ∫ H g ⋅ d l = ∫ aφ cos(ω t − β g z ) ⋅ aφ ρ dφ
l 0
ωμ 0 ρ ln(b a)
1 2π Vo
= cos(ω t − β g z )
μ 0 ε ln(b a)

Example 10.3
For the coaxial cable in Example 10.2, find the capacitance and inductance per
unit length of the cable.

Solution
Let the cable length be l , then the capacitance per unit length is C l = Qa Vl ,
where Qa is the total charge crossing the surface S = 2πρ l .

Applying Gauss law, with E = a ρ Vo ρ ln(b a ) as obtained in Example 10.2, and

from Fig. (10.10a), dS = a ρ ρ dφdz , then

l 2π
1 2π ε l
Q V = (ε V )∫∫ E ⋅ dS = ε ∫ ∫ a ρ ⋅ a ρ ρ dφdz =
S a 0
ρ ln(b a ) ln(b a ) 
2π ε
⇒ C l= 
ln(b a )

The inductance is L = Φ I , H = aφ Vo [ μ ε ρ ln (b a)] , and from Fig. (10.10b),

dS = aφ dρ dz . Applying Gauss law for magnetic flux, we get
l b
μ 1 μ0 l
Φ I = (μ 0 I )∫∫ H ⋅ dS = 0 ∫∫ ρ aφ ⋅ aφ dρ dz = 2π ln(b a )
S
2π a a 
μ
⇒ L l = 0 ln(b a )
2π
664 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

y y
dS = aZ Z d dz dS = a dZ dz
l
aZ
d
Z d b a
dz dS a dZ
z Z S z

x x dz
(a) (b)
Fig. (10.10). The unit surface area for the problem in Example 10.3.

10.2.2. TE Mode Fields

In the waveguides that support TE mode fields, H z ≠ 0 and Ez = 0 . The
component H z can be obtained by solving (10.18), and then the TE fields
equations in Table 10.1 can be used to analyze the behavior of the electromagnetic
waves in the waveguide. The steps are as follows:
1. Equation (10.18) can be written as

∇t2 H z + β c2 H z = 0 (10.36a)
where
βc2 = β 2 − βg2 (10.36b)

Once the geometry and the boundary conditions of the waveguide are known,
(10.36a) can be solved for H z .

2. The next step is to find Et from H z as illustrated in the following analysis.

Taking the curl of both sides of equation TE-I in Table 10.1, yields

∇t × ∇t × Et = (∇t ⋅ Et )∇t − ∇t2Et = −∇ t × a z j ωμ H z (10.37)

Using (10.36b), (10.25) can be written as

∇ t2Et = − β c2Et (10.38)

Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 665

From equation TE-V in Table 10.1, we have ∇t ⋅ Et = 0 . Hence, using (10.38)

and substituting ∇t ⋅ Et = 0 in (10.37), Et can be expressed in term of H z as

ωμ
Et = − j ∇t × a z H z (10.39)
β c2

The TE mode instantaneous electric field in the waveguide is obtained from

E g = Re ⎡Et e ⎤
− j ( β g z −ω t )
(10.40)
⎢⎣ ⎥⎦

3. Using equation TE-II in Table 10.1, H t can be determined from Et as

βg
Ht = a z × Et (10.41)
ωμ

and the instantaneous magnetic field in the waveguide can be obtained from

H g = Re ⎡(Ht + a z H z ) e ⎤
− j ( β g z −ω t )
(10.42)
⎢⎣ ⎥⎦

4. Instantaneous Poynting vector, average Poynting vector, and the average

power can be obtained using (10.31), (10.32) and (10.33) respectively.

5. The wave impedance Z TE is given by the ratio of the one components of the
transverse electric field to the associated perpendicular transverse magnetic
field. From (10.41), the wave impedance for the TE mode can be written as

ωμ
ZTE = (10.43)
β

6. The phase constant for the TE mode electromagnetic fields in the waveguide
can be obtained from (10.36b) as

βg2 = β 2 − βc2 (10.44)

666 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

10.2.3. TM Mode Fields

In this case, Ez ≠ 0 and H z = 0 . The component Ez is obtained by solving
(10.19). Following similar procedure as in TE case, the TM fields equations in
Table 10.1 are used to analyze the behavior of the electromagnetic waves
propagating in the waveguide, as follows:

1. Equation (10.19) can be written in the form

∇t2 Ez + β c2 Ez = 0 (10.45)

Depending on the geometry of the waveguide and the boundary conditions,

(10.45) is solved for E z , and hence the other TE mode fields components can
be obtained as outlined in the following points.

2. Taking the curl of both sides of equation TM-III in Table 10.1, we get

∇t × ∇t × Ht = (∇t ⋅ Ht )∇t − ∇t × Ht = ∇t × a z j ωε Ez
2
(10.46)

Using (10.24) and (10.36b) we can write

∇t × Ht = −βc2Ht
2
(10.47)

Substituting ∇t ⋅ Ht = 0 from TM-VI into (10.46) and using (10.47), Ht is

obtained from E z as

ωε
Ht = j ∇t × a z Ez (10.48)
β c2

and the instantaneous magnetic field in a TM waveguide becomes

H g = Re ⎡Ht e ⎤
− j ( β g z −ω t )
(10.49)
⎢⎣ ⎥⎦

3. Using equation TM-IV in Table 10.1, E t is obtained as

βg
Et = − a z × Ht (10.50)
ωε
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 667

and the corresponding instantaneous electric field in the TM waveguide is

E g = Re ⎡(Et + a z Ez ) e ⎤
− j ( β g z −ω t )

⎢⎣ ⎥⎦ (10.51)

4. The expressions of the instantaneous Poynting vector, average Poynting

vector, and the average power for the TM mode waves are the same as those
for TE and TM waves given by (10.31), (10.32) and (10.33) respectively.
5. The wave impedance Z TM is the ratio of the one components of the transverse
electric field to the associated perpendicular component of the transverse
magnetic field. Accordingly, the characteristics impedance for the TM mode
fields in a waveguide can be obtained from (10.50) as

βg
Z TM = (10.52)
ωε
6. The phase constant for the electromagnetic fields in the waveguide that is
supporting TM mode fields has the same expression as in the case of TE
mode given by (10.44).

10.3. ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS IN THE RECTANGULAR

WAVEGUIDES

The rectangular cross section waveguides can support either TE or TM fields and
cannot support TEM mode fields. The coordinates of the rectangular waveguide
are shown in Fig. (10.11). The wave propagates in the direction of the z-axis,
which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the waveguide. The transverse
components are along x- and y-axes. Therefore, the quantities Et and H t can be
written as
Et = a x E x + a y E y
(10.53)
Ht = a x H x + a y H y
(10.54)

The operators ∇ , ∇ t and ∇ t2 in the rectangular coordinates are given by

∂ ∂ ∂ ∂
∇ = ax + ay + az = ∇t + a z (10.55)
∂x ∂y ∂z ∂z
668 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

∂ ∂
∇t = a x + ay (10.56)
∂x ∂y
∂ 2
∂ 2
∇t2 = 2 + 2 (10.57)
∂x ∂y

10.3.1. TE Mode Fields in the Rectangular Waveguide

The geometry of the waveguide is shown in Fig. (10.11). The dimensions of the
cross section of the waveguide are a and b , where a > b . The walls of the
waveguide are made from a good electric conducting material (σc ≈ ∞), and it is
filled with a lossless dielectric material of permittivity ε and permeability μ. Since
we are interested in the TE fields, we will use (10.36a) to find H z , then using
(10.39) – (10.41) along with (10.53) and (10.54) the other TE electromagnetic
field components in the rectangular waveguide can be obtained. Equation (10.36a)
in the rectangular coordinates can be written as

∂2 H z ∂2 H z
+ + βc2 H z = 0
∂x 2
∂y 2
(10.58)

σc ≈ ∞

(0, b, 0)
ε, μ, σd ≈ 0
x
(a, 0, 0)

z
Fig. (10.11). The geometry of the rectangular waveguide.

Equation (10.58) can be solved using the method of separation of variables. Using
this method, H z is expressed in terms of independent functions U and W ,
where U and W are functions of x and y respectively. Hence,

H z (x, y ) = U (x)W ( y ) (10.59)

Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 669

Substituting H z from (10.59) into (10.58), and dividing both sides of the result
by UW , yields

1 ∂ 2U 1 ∂ 2W
+ = −βc2 (10.60)
U ∂x 2
W ∂y 2

The constant β c2 can be written in terms of other constants k x and k y as

βc2 = kx2 + k y2 (10.61)

Since U and W are independent, then (10.60) can be separated into the following
equations

∂ 2U
+ k x2U = 0 (10.62a)
∂x 2

∂ 2W
+ k y2W = 0 (10.62b)
∂y 2

The solution of (10.62a) and (10.62b) can be written respectively as

U ( x) = A cos(k x x) + B sin( k x x) (10.63a)

W ( y ) = C cos(k y y ) + D sin( k y y ) (10.63b)

Substituting (10.63a) and (10.63b) in (10.59), H z becomes

H z ( x, y ) = [ A cos( k x x) + B sin( k x x)] [C cos( k y y ) + D sin( k y y )] (10.64)

where A , B , C , D , k x , and k y are constants. Using (10.39) with (10.53),

components of E t can be obtained from H z as

ωμ ⎛ ∂ ∂ ⎞
a x Ex + a y E y =−j ⎜a
2 ⎜ x
+ a y ⎟⎟ × a z H
β c ⎝ ∂x ∂y ⎠
(10.65)
ωμ ⎛ ∂H z ∂H z ⎞
= − j 2 ⎜⎜ − a y + ax ⎟
βc ⎝ ∂x ∂y ⎟⎠
670 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

Equating the quantities in x and y directions in both sides of (10.65), yields

ωμ ∂H z
Ex =−j
β c2 ∂y (10.66a)
ωμ
[
= jk y 2 [A cos( k x x) + B sin(k x x)] C sin(k y y ) − D cos( k y y )
βc
]
ωμ ∂H z
Ey = j
β c2 ∂x
(10.66b)
⎛ ωμ ⎞
[ ]
= − jk x ⎜⎜ 2 ⎟⎟[A sin (k x x ) − B cos(k x x )] C cos(k y y ) + D sin (k y y )
⎝ βc ⎠

Using (10.41) with (10.54), we can write

βg β
axH x + a y H y = a z × (a x Ex + a y E y ) = g (a y Ex − a x E y ) (10.67)
ωμ ωμ

Equating the quantities in x and y directions in both sides of (10.67), yields

βg
Hx =− Ey
ωμ
(10.68a)
β
= jkx g2 [A sin(k x x) − B cos(k x x)][C cos(k y y ) + D sin(k y y )]
βc
βg
Hy = Ex
ωμ
(10.68b)
β
= jk y g2 [A cos(k x x) + B sin(k x x)][C sin(k y y ) − D cos(k y y )]
βc

The constants in (10.64) – (10.68) are determined from the boundary conditions.
The boundary conditions are that the electric fields on the walls of the waveguide
are continuous and equal to zero. Thus,

E x ( y = 0 ) = Ex ( y = b ) = 0 (10.69a)
E y (x = 0 ) = E y (x = a ) = 0 (10.69b)
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 671

Imposing the boundary conditions Ex ( y = 0) = 0 and E y (x = 0) = 0 on (10.66a)

and (10.66b), yields

B=D=0 (10.70)

While the boundary conditions Ex ( y = b) = 0 and E y (x = a ) = 0 on (10.66a) and

(10.66b), yields

sin (k x a )= 0 (10.71)
sin (k yb )= 0 (10.72)

It follows that from (10.71) and (10.72)

k x = mπ a , m = 0,1, 2, (10.73)

k y = nπ b , n = 0,1, 2, (10.74)

Equations (10.73) and (10.74) show that there are an infinite number of modes of
TE fields that can exist in the waveguide depending on m and n . To distinguish
between modes, the symbol TE mn will be used instead of TE . Substituting k x
and k y from (10.73) and (10.74) in (10.61), yields

βc2 = (mπ a)2 + (nπ b)2 (10.75)

Substituting β c from (10.75) into (10.44), the propagation constant in the

waveguide can be obtained as

= jβg = (mπ a) + (nπ b) − β 2

2 2
(10.76)

Substituting the constants B , D , k x and k y in (10.64), (10.66a), (10.66b),

(10.68a) and (0.68b1), and letting AC = H mn , the components of Et , H t and H z
can be determined.
672 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

Substituting the resulted components into (10.5) and (10.6), and using (10.3) and
(10.4) the spatial TE mn electromagnetic fields components in a rectangular
waveguide can be obtained as

ωμ nπ
H mn cos(mπ x a )sin (nπ y b )e g
− jβ z
Exs = j (10.77a)
βc b
2

ωμ mπ
H mn sin (mπ x a )cos(nπ y b )e g
− jβ z
E ys = − j (10.77b)
βc a
2

Ezs = 0 (10,77c)
βg mπ
H mn sin (mπ x a )cos(nπ y b)e
− jβ gz
H xs = j (10.77d)
βc a
2

βg nπ
H mn cos(mπ x a )sin (nπ y b)e
− jβ gz
H ys = j (10.77e)
βc b
2

H zs = H mn cos(mπ x a )cos(nπ y b)e

− jβ
z
(10.77f)

Note that H mn is in ( A m ). Assuming that H mn is real, the instantaneous TE mn

electromagnetic fields components propagating in a rectangular waveguide at an
angular frequency ω can be written from (10.77a) – (10.77f) using (10.1) and
(10.2), as

E xg = −
ωμ nπ
( ) ( ) (
H cos mπ x a sin nπ y b sin ω t − β g z
β c2 b mn
) (10.78a)

ωμ mπ
E yg = H sin (mπ x a )cos(nπ y b )sin (ω t − β g z ) (10.78b)
β c2 a mn
E z
= 0 (10.78c)
βg mπ
H xg = − F sin (mπ x a )cos(nπ y b )sin (ω t − βg z ) (10.78d)
βc2 a mn
βg nπ
H yg = − F cos(mπ x a )sin (nπ y b)sin (ω t − βg z ) (10.78e)
βc2 b mn
H z
= Fmn cos(mπ x a )cos(nπ y b )cos(ω t − β
z ) (10.78f)
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 673

10.3.2. Characteristics of TE Mode Fields in the Waveguide

10.3.2.1. Cut-off frequency
The propagation constant in (10.76) can be written as

= (m a )2 + (n b)2 − β 2 = βc2 − β 2 (10.79)

Based on the value of β (10.79) we can distinguish between the following cases
for

1. Cut-off : in this case β c = β and
= 0 . The fields do not propagate.
2. Evanescent: when β c > β ,
= β
is real, and hence the fields  attenuate 
and vanish rapidly.
3. Propagation: when β > β c ,
= jβ g  is imaginary,  and the fields propa

gate through the waveguide.

Therefore, the fields will propagate in the waveguide only when
is non-zero
imaginary quantity, which corresponds to β > β c or f > ( β c 2π με ) . It follows
from (10.79) that for propagation, the frequency of waves must satisfy f > f c
where

fc =
1
(m a )2 + (n b)2 = υ (m a )2 + (n b)2 (10.80)
2 με 2

υ = 1 με is the phase velocity of uniform plane waves in an unbounded medium

of permittivity ε and permeability μ . The electromagnetic waves with
frequencies greater than f c  will propagate through the waveguide, while those of
frequencies less than f c will evanescence. The frequency f c is referred to as the
cut-off frequency, at which the propagation constant is zero. For the TE mn
rectangular waveguide, the cut-off frequency from (10.80) can be expressed as

1
f cTE mn = ( m a ) 2 + ( n b)
2
(10.81)
2 με
674 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

The corresponding cut-off wavelength can be obtained using λc = υ f cTE mn , as

2
λc = (10.82)
(m a ) + (n b)
2 2

10.3.2.2. Phase and Propagation Constants

The phase constant for waves in a rectangular waveguide with TE mn mode fields
can be obtained using (10.79) and the relation
= jβ
as

βg = β 2 − (mπ a )2 − (nπ b )2 (10.83)

Using (10.81), (10.83) can be written in terms of the cut-off frequency as

β g = β 1 − ( f cTE )
2
mn
f (10.84)

It is clear from (10.84) that, when the operating frequency is less than the cut-off
frequency, the phase constant becomes imaginary and the waves in the waveguide
attenuate rapidly and evanescence. The propagation constant in (10.79) can be
expressed also in terms of the cut-off frequency in the form

= 2π (με )2
1 2
f cTE mn − f 2 (10.85)

10.3.2.3. Wavelength
Using (10.83), the wavelength for TE mn mode fields is

2π 2π
λg = =
βg ω με − (mπ a ) − (nπ b )
2 2 2

(10.86)
λ
=
1 − ( f cTE mn f )
2

where λ = 2π β is the wavelength of uniform plane waves in an unbounded

medium of permittivity ε and permeability μ .
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 675

10.3.2.4. Wave Impedance

Using (10.43) along with (10.83) and (10.84) the wave impedance of TE mn mode
fields in a rectangular waveguide can be expressed in the form

ωμ η
Z TE mn = = (10.87)
ω2με− (mπ a ) − (nπ b )
2 2
(
1 − f
TE mn
f ) 2

where η = μ ε is the intrinsic impedance of the medium of the waveguide

10.3.2.5. Phase Velocity

Because of reflections of the electromagnetic waves from the walls of the

waveguide, they can be considered as a group of uniform plane waves in the
waveguide propagate with phase constant β g . The velocity of any of these
uniform plane waves in the medium of the waveguide is υ = 1 με . The phase
velocity is the velocity of the constant phase fronts of the waves in the guide. The
phase velocity of the TE mode fields in a rectangular waveguide can be obtained
as

ω ω υ
υp = = = (10.88)
βg β 2 − (mπ a )2 − (nπ b )2 1− f ( c
TE nm
f ) 2

It is clear from (10.88) that the phase velocity of waves propagating in the
waveguide always satisfies υ p > υ . If the medium in the waveguide is free space,
then υ = υ0 , where υ0 is the speed of light in free space. Note that υ p > υ0 does
not mean that the speed of the electromagnetic energy in the waveguide is greater
than the speed of light, because υ p is the velocity of the constant phase fronts of
the wave, and the electromagnetic energy in the waveguide does not propagate at
this speed.

10.3.2.6. Group Velocity

The reflection of the electromagnetic waves from the walls of the waveguide
makes the transmitted energy in the waveguide travels as a group of waves. It has
676 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

been shown that in Chapter 8, the group velocity is given by d ω dβ . Therefore,

differentiating both sides of (10.83) with respect to ω , yields

dβg ωμε
= (10.89)
ω2με − (mπ a ) − (nπ b )
2 2
dω

It follows from (10.81) and (10.89) that the group velocity of TE mode fields in a
rectangular waveguide can be expressed as

υ
=
1
ωμε
ω2με− (mπ a ) − (nπ b ) = υ 1 − f cTE nm f
2 2
( )
2
(10.90)

Equation (10.90) shows that the group velocity in the waveguide is less than the
uniform plane wave velocity υ . It can be shown that from (10.88) and (10.90) the
phase and group velocities are always satisfying

υ = υυ
(10.91)

10.3.2.7. Poynting Vector and Power Flow

Instantaneous Poynting of TE mn mode electromagnetic fields is given by (10.31),
and can be written for a rectangular waveguide as

T = E g × H g∗ = (a xE xg + a yE yg )× (a x H x∗g + a y H y∗g + a z H z∗g )

1 1
2 2
= (a zE xg H y∗g − a yE xg H z∗g − a zE yg H x∗g + a xE yg H z∗g ) (10.92)
1
2
= a z (E xg H y∗g − E yg H x∗g ) + H z∗g (a xE yg − a yE xg )
1 1
2 2

Using E x
= ZTE mn H y
and E y
= − Z TE mn H x
, (10.92) can be written in the form

⎛ E x
2 + E y
2
⎞ 1
T = az ⎜ ⎟ + H ∗ (a E − a E ) (10.93)
⎜ 2Z TE mn ⎟ 2 z
x y
y x

⎝ ⎠

Note that, the component of Poynting vector in the direction of propagation is

always real. Using the time average Poynting vector for time-harmonic fields
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 677

given by (10.32), it can be shown that the time average Poynting vector for TE mn
mode fields in a rectangular waveguide, is
2
Exs 2 + E ys
1
[ ∗
Ta = Re E s × H s =
2 2Z TE mn
] (10.94)

Consequently, the average power through the waveguide becomes

PaTE mn = ∫∫ Ta ⋅ dS =
S
1
2Z TE mn ∫∫ (E
S
xs
2
+ E ys
2
)a ⋅ dS
z (10.95)

The unit vector of the cross section area is always in the direction of propagation,
or dS = a z dxdy. Substituting dS , Exs and E ys from (10.77a) and (10.77b)
respectively into (10.95), yields
2b a
⎛ ωμ nπ
1 ⎞
= ⎜ ⎟⎟ ∫∫ cos (mπ x a )sin (nπ y b) dxdy
TE mn 2 2
P H mn
2Z TE mn ⎜⎝ β c2 b
a
⎠ 0 0
2b a
(10.96)
⎛ ωμ mπ
1 ⎞
+ ⎜ ⎟⎟ ∫∫ sin (mπ x a )cos (nπ y b) dxdy
2 2
H mn
2Z TE mn ⎝⎜ β c2 a ⎠ 0 0

Note that
a a

∫ cos (mπ x a ) dx = ∫ sin (mπ x a ) dx = a 2 , m ≠ 0

2 2
(10.97a)
0 0
b b

∫ cos (nπ y b) dy = ∫ sin (nπ y b) dy = b 2 , n≠0

2 2
(10.97b)
0 0
a b

∫ cos (mπ x a ) dx = a , ∫ cos (nπ y b) dx = b , m = 0 , n = 0 (10.97c)

2 2

0 0
a b

∫ sin (mπ x a ) dx =∫ sin (nπ y b) dy = 0, m =0, n = 0

2 2
(10.97d)
0 0
678 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

Using (10.97a) – (10.97d), the integrals in (10.96) for all combination of m and
n can be evaluated. Replacing β c and Z TE mn from (10.84) and (10.87)
respectively, with some algebraic manipulations, the average power through the
waveguide that supports TE mn mode fields can be expressed in terms of the
waveguide dimensions, the cut-off frequency, and the operating frequency, as

⎧0, m = 0, n = 0
⎪ H 2
⎪ 0n
( 2
1 − f cTE 0 n f ,) m = 0, n ≠ 0
⎪ fc(TE 0 n
f
2
)
abη ⎪ 2
PaTE mn = ⎨ H m0 (
1 − f cTE m 0 f ,)
2
m ≠ 0, n = 0
(10.98)

⎪ c
f(
4 ⎪ TE m 0
f )
2

2
⎪ 1 H mn
⎪ 2 TE mn (
1 − f cTE mn f ,
2
) m ≠ 0, n ≠ 0
⎩ fc ( f
2
)
Example 10.4
Write expressions for the instantaneous and the spatial electromagnetic fields in
an air-filled rectangular waveguide supporting the TE10 mode. Hence, find the
average power flowing in the waveguide if the operating frequency is higher than
the cut-off frequency by 25%.

Solution
For the TE10 , m = 1 and n = 0 , which gives βc = π a from (10.75). Substitute
these values into (10.78a) – (10.78b), we obtain the instantaneous fields
components as

E x
= E z
= H y
= 0 ,
E yg = (a ωμ π ) H10 sin (π x a )sin (ω t − β g z )
E xg = −(aβ g π )H10 sin (π x a )sin (ω t − β g z )
H z
= H10 cos(π x a )cos(ω t − β
z )

The spatial field components from (10.77a) – (10.77b) are

E xs = E zs = H ys = 0
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 679

E ys = − j (a ωμ π )H10 sin (π x a ) e
− jβ g z

H xs = + j (aβg π )H10 sin (π x a ) e

− jβ g z

H zs = H10 cos (π x a )e
− jβ
z

Using (10.95), the average power can be obtained as

2
1
b a
⎛ ωμ π ⎞ a 3b 2
P TE 10
= ∫∫ ⎜
⎜ H ⎟
10 ⎟ sin 2
(π x a ) dxdy =
2
β g H10 Z TE10
4π
c 2 2
2Z TE10 0 0 ⎝ βc a ⎠
( )
3
ab 2 2 2 2
= μ f H10 1 − f cTE10 f
η0
2
abη0
=
H10
(
1 − f cTE10 f )
2

4 (f c
TE 10
f )
2

Since f = 1.25 f cTE10

2
ab × 120π H10
⇒ P = 1 − (1 1.25)
TE 10 2
c
4 (1 1.25)2

2
= 88.4 ab H10 W

Alternatively, substituting m = 1 and n = 0  in (10.98), the same result for PcTE10

above, can be obtained.

Example 10.5
In an air-filled rectangular waveguide with a = 2.286 cm and b = 1.016 cm, the y-
component of the TE mode is given by

(
Eyg = 5sin (2π x a ) sin 2π × 2 × 1010 t − βg z ) Vm
Determine
(a) The mode of operation
(b) The cut-off frequency
(c) The phase constant.
(d) The wave impedance
680 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

Solution
(a) The operating frequency is f = 20 GHz , a = 2.286 cm and b = 1.016 cm.
From the given electric field component E yg we have

2π x a = mπ x a ⇒ m = 2
0 = nπ y b ⇒ n = 0

Hence, the mode of operation is TE 20 mode.

(b) The cut-off frequency can be computed using (10.81), as

1 3 × 108 2
f TE 20
= (m a ) + (n b)
2 2
= = 13.12 GHz
2 2.286 × 10 − 2

c
2 μ 0ε 0

(c) The phase constant can be computed using (10.84) as

βg = 2π f μ 0ε 0 1 − f cTE 20 f( )2

2π × 2 × 1010
= 1 − (13.12 20 ) = 316.22 rad/m
2

3 × 10 8

(d) The wave impedance from (10.87) is

μ0 ε0 120π
Z TE mn = = = 499.8 Ω
(
1 − f cTE nm f )
2
1 − (13.12 20 )
2

Example 10.6
If the waveguide in Example 10.5 is filled with polystyrene ( ε r = 2.56 ) instead of
air, find the cut-off frequency in this case, then find the average power transmitted
through the waveguide relative to that of an air-filled case.
Solution
From the results of Example 10.5, we have f = 20 GHz , a = 2.286 cm, b = 1.016
cm, m = 2 and n = 0 , then the cut-off frequency when ε r = 2.56 becomes

1 3 × 108 2
f cTE 20 = (m a )2 + (n b)2 = −2
= 8.2 GHz
2 μ 0ε 0ε r 2 2.56 2.286 × 10

Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 681

TE TE
Let the average power for polystyrene case is Pa ( poly )  Pa ( poly )  can be obtained by
20 20

substituting f cTE 20 = 8.2 GHz  f = 20 GHz , η = η0 ε r , m = 2 and n = 0 , in

(10.98), as
2 2
abη H 20 abη0 H 20
P TE 20
= (
1− f TE 20
f )2
= 1 − (8.2 20 )
2
a ( poly )
(
4 f cTE 20 f )
2 c
4 ε r (8.2 20 )
2

TE
Let the average power for the air-filled waveguide be Pa (air20)  Substituting
f cTE 20 = 13.12 GHz  f = 20 GHz , η = η0 , m = 2 and n = 0 , in (10.98), then

2 2
abη0 H 20 abη0 H 20
= 1 − (13.12 20 ) = 1 − (13.12 20 )
TE 20 2 2
P
4 (13.12 20 ) 4 (13.12 20 )
a ( air ) 2 2

The average power of the polystyrene case to that of air case is

1 − (8.2 20 )
2
PaTE 20
1 ⎛ 13.12 ⎞
2
( poly )
= ⎜ ⎟ = 1.93
1 − (13.12 20 )
2
PaTE 20
( air ) 2.56 ⎝ 8.2 ⎠

Example 10.7
A tunnel is modeled as an air-filled metallic rectangular waveguide with
dimensions a = 8 m and b = 16 m. For the mode TE01, find the cut-off frequency,
and the cut-off wavelength, when the operating frequency is 18.75 MHz.
Determine whether the tunnel will pass:

(a) A 1.5 MHz AM broadcast signal.

(b) A 90 MHz FM broadcast signal.

Solution
Given that a = 8 m and b = 6 m, m = 0 and n = 1 , then the cut-off frequency can
be computed using (10.81) as

1 1 3 × 108
f cTE 01 = (m a )2 + (n b)2 = = = 9.375 MHz
2 μ 0ε 0 2b μ 0ε 0 2×8
682 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

Since m = 0 and n = 1 , the cut-off wavelength is

2
λc =
(m a ) + (n b)2
2

= 2b = 6 m

(a) Since the AM signal frequency is lower than the cut-off frequency, the AM
signal will not pass through the tunnel.
(b) The FM signal will pass through the tunnel because its frequency is 90 MHz,
which is higher than the cut-off frequency of the tunnel.

10.3.3. TM Mode Fields in the Rectangular Waveguide

In this case, the rectangular waveguide shown in Fig. (10.11) supports TM mode
electromagnetic fields. The starting point is to obtain Ez by solving (10.45). Once
Ez is known, the other electromagnetic fields components can be determined
using (10.48) – (10.50), (10.53) and (10.54). Equation (10.45) in rectangular
coordinate system can be written as

∂ 2 Ez ∂ 2 Ez
+ 2 + βc2 Ez = 0 (10.99)
∂x 2
∂y

Following the same analysis as in the TE mode case, E z can be obtained by

solving (10.99) as

Ez (x, y ) = [ A′ cos( k x x) + B′ sin( k x x)][C ′ cos(k y y ) + D′ sin( k y y )] (10.100)

where A′ , B′ , C ′ , D′ , k x , and k y are constants. The components of Ht can be

obtained using (10.48) and (10.54) as

ωε ⎛ ∂ ∂ ⎞
axH x + a y H y = j ⎜a
2 ⎜ x
+ a y ⎟⎟ × a z Ez
β c ⎝ ∂x ∂y ⎠
(10.101)
ωε ⎛ ∂E ∂E ⎞
= j 2 ⎜⎜ − a y z + a x z ⎟⎟
βc ⎝ ∂x ∂y ⎠
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 683

Equating the quantities in the x and y directions in both sides of (10.101) and
substituting E z from (10.100), H t components are obtained as

ωε ∂Ez
Hx = j
β c2 ∂y (10.102a)
[
= jk y 2 [A′ cos(k x x ) + B′ sin (k x x )] − C ′ sin (k y y ) + D′ cos(k y y )
ωε
βc
]
ωε ∂Ez
Hy =−j
β c2 ∂x (10.102b)
[
= − jk x 2 [− A′ sin (k x x ) + B′ cos(k x x )] C ′ cos(k y y ) + D′ sin (k y y )
ωε
βc
]
Equation (10.50) can be written as

βg
a x Ex + a y E y = −
ωε
(a Hy x − axH y ) (10.103)

Using (10.102a) and (10.102b) along with (10.103), the components of E t can be
obtained as

βg
Ex = Hy
ωε (10.104a)
β
= jkx g2 [A′ sin (k x x ) − B′ cos(k x x )][C ′ cos(k y y ) + D′ sin (k y y )]
βc
⎛ βg ⎞
Ey = −⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ H x
⎝ ωε ⎠ (10.104b)
⎛β ⎞
[
= jk y ⎜⎜ g2 ⎟⎟ [A′ cos(k x x ) + B′ sin (k x x )] C ′ sin (k y y ) − D′ cos(k y y ) ]
⎝ βc ⎠

The boundary conditions are given in (10.69a) and (10.69b). Applying the
boundary conditions Ex ( y = 0) = 0 and E y (x = 0) = 0 on (10.104a) and (10.104b),
yields

A′ = C ′ = 0 (10.105)
684 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

Applying the boundary conditions Ex ( y = b ) = 0 and E y (x = a ) = 0 on the

equations (10.104a) and (10.104b), the constants k x and k y can be determined
as

k x = mπ a , m = 0,1, 2, (10.106)

k y = nπ b , n = 0,1, 2, (10.107)

which are the same results as for the TE mode case. This indicates that there are
an infinite number of modes depending on the values of m and n . The mode
mn will be denoted by TM mn . Substituting k x and k y into (10.61), yields

βc2 = (mπ a )2 + (nπ b)2 (10.108)

Substituting A′ = C ′ = 0 , k x and k y in (10.100), (10.102a), (10.102b), (10.104a),

and (10.104b), and letting B ′D′ = E mn , then the components of E t and H t , in
addition to Ez for the TM fields can be determined. Substituting E t , H t and Ez
(10.5) and (10.6), and using (10.3) and (10.4), the spatial TM mn mode
electromagnetic fields components in the rectangular waveguide can be obtained
as

βg mπ
Emn cos(mπ x a )sin (nπ y b) e
− jβ z
Exs = − j g
(10.109a)
βc a
2

β nπ
Emn sin (mπ x a )cos(nπ y b) e
− jβ z
E ys = − j g2 g
(10.109b)
βc b
E zs = Emn sin (mπ x a )sin (nπ y b) e
− jβ
z
(10.109c)
ωε nπ
Emn sin (mπ x a )cos(nπ y b ) e g
− jβ z
H xs = j (10.109d)
βc b
2

ωε mπ
Emn cos(mπ x a )sin (nπ y b ) e g
− jβ z
H ys = − j (10.109e)
βc a
2

H zs = 0 (10.109f)
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 685

Phase velocity Emn is th peak value of E zs and its dimension is in (V m).

Assume that E mn is real, the instantaneous TM fields corresponding to (10.109a)
– (10.109f) can be obtained by substituting these fields components into (10.1)
and (10.2), as

βg mπ
E xg = E cos(mπ x a )sin (nπ y b) sin (ω t − βg z ) (10.110a)
βc2 a mn
β nπ
E yg = g2 E sin (mπ x a )cos(nπ y b) sin (ω t − βg z ) (10.110b)
βc b mn
E z
= E mn sin (mπ x a )sin (nπ y b ) cos(ω t − β
z ) (10.110c)
ωε nπ
H xg = − 2 E sin (mπ x a )cos(nπ y b ) sin (ω t − β g z ) (10.110d)
β c b mn
ωε mπ
H yg = 2 E cos(mπ x a )sin (nπ y b ) sin (ω t − β g z ) (10110e)
β c a mn
H z
= 0 (10.110f)

10.3.4. Characteristics of the TM Mode Fields in the Waveguide

10.3.4.1. Cut-off frequency

Following the same analysis as for the TE case, the cut-off frequency of a
rectangular waveguide that supports TM mn fields can be obtained as

1 υ
f cTM mn = (m a )2 + (n b)2 = (m a )2 + (n b)2 (10.111)
2 με 2

and the cut-off wavelength for the waveguide will be

λc = 2 (m a )2 + (n b)2 (10.112)

10.3.4.2. Phase and Propagation Constants

From (10.44) and (10.111), the phase constant can be written as

β g = β 2 − (mπ a )2 − (nπ b )2 = β 1 − ( f cTM f)

2
mn
(10.113)
686 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

The propagation constant is obtained from the relation
= jβ
as

(mπ a )2 + (nπ b)2 − β 2 = 2π (με )2 f cTM mn − f 2

1 2

= (10.114)

10.3.4.3. Wavelength
The wavelength for TM mn fields can be obtained as

2π 2π λ
λg = = = (10.115)
β TM mn
g ω με − (mπ a ) − (nπ b )
2 2 2
1− f ( c
TM mn
f )
2

10.3.4.4. Wave Impedance

The wave impedance of the rectangular waveguide that supports TM mn fields can
be determined from (10.52) and (10.113), as

ω2με − (mπ a ) − (nπ b )

2 2

= η 1 − ( fcTM mn f )
2
Z TM mn = (10.116)
ωε
Note that the wave impedance of the TM fields is different from that of the TE
fields given by (10.87). By multiplying both sides of (10.87) by corresponding
sides of (10.116), it can be shown that for the same waveguide, the wave
impedances Z TE mn and Z TM mn satisfy the relation

η = Z TE Z TM mn mn
(10.117)

where η is the intrinsic impedance of a uniform plane wave when propagates in

the medium of the waveguide.

10.3.4.5. Phase Velocity and Group Velocity

The phase velocity υ p and group velocity υ
are similar in form to that for the
TE mode case and can be written respectively as

ω υ
υp = = (10.118)
β 2 − (mπ a )2 − (nπ b )2 1− f ( c
TM mn
f )
2
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 687

β 2 − (mπ a )2 − (nπ b)2 = υ 1 − ( f cTM mn f )

1 2
υg = (10.119)
ωμε

10.3.4.6. Poynting Vector and Power Flow

Following the same analysis as in the TE mn fields case, it can be shown from
(10.31) that the instantaneous Poynting vector for TM mn mode fields in a
rectangular waveguide is given by

⎛ E 2+E 2 ⎞ 1
T = Eg × H g = a z ⎜ − E zg (a x H y∗g − a y H x∗g )
1 ∗ xg yg ⎟
(10.120)
2 ⎜ 2Z TM mn ⎟ 2
⎝ ⎠

As in the case of TE wave, Poynting vector in the direction of propagation is

always real. The average power transmitted through the rectangular waveguide
that supports TM mn waves can be obtained using (10.33) as follows

∫ ∫ (E ) dxdy Z 2 ∫ ∫ (H ) dxdy
b a b a
1 2 2
PaTM mn = xs
2
+ E ys TM mn
xs
2
+ H ys (10.121)
2Z TM mn 0 0 0 0

Substituting Exs and E ys from (10.109a) and (10.109b) respectively into

(10.121), yields
2
⎛ β mπ ⎞ b a
2
E
P TM mn
= mn ⎜⎜ g2 ⎟⎟ ∫∫ cos2 (mπ x a )sin 2 (nπ y b ) dxdy
2Z TM mn ⎝ β c a ⎠ 0 0
a

2
(10.122)
Emn ⎛ β g nπ ⎞ b a 2
2

+ ⎜⎜ 2 ⎟⎟ ∫∫ sin (mπ x a )cos2 (nπ y b ) dxdy

2Z TM mn ⎝ β c b ⎠ 0 0

Following the same analysis as in the TE mode case, the average power through
the waveguide that supports TM mn can be obtained as

2
abπ 2 ⎛ β g
2
⎞
P a
TM mn
= ⎜
8Z TM mn ⎜⎝ β c
2
⎟⎟ Emn =
ab Emn
8η ( f cTM 21 f )2
1 − ( f c
TM 21
f )2
(10.123)
⎠
688 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

Example 10.8
Determine the cut-off frequencies for the modes TM11 , TM12 , TM21 , and TM21
in a rectangular waveguide. Assume that the cross section dimensions of the
waveguide are a and b , such that a = b . Find the normalized cut-off frequencies
of the modes with respect to the lowest cut-off frequency.

Solution
Let υ = 1 με , since a = b , then from (10.111), the cut-off frequency for any
mode TM mn is

υ
f cTM mn = m2 + n2
2a

The cut-off frequency for the mode TM11 is

υ υ
f cTM11 = 1+1 =
2 2a

Similarly, the respective cut-off frequencies for the TM12 , TM21 , and TM21
modes are

υ υ υ
f cTM12 = 5 , f cTM = 5 , f cTM =
21
2
22

2a 2a a

It is clear that the lowest cut-off frequency is f cTM11 . Let the normalized cut-off
frequency denoted by f cNTM mn  Normalizing with respect to the lowest cut-off
frequency gives

f cNTM11 = 1, fcNTM12 = 5 2 , fcNTM 21 = 5 2 , f cNTM 22 = 2

Example 10.9
An air-filled rectangular waveguide of cross section dimensions a = 2. 286 cm,
and b = 1. 016 cm , operates at 25 GHz. Find all TM modes that may exist in the
waveguide.
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 689

Solution
Since a = 2.286 cm and b = 1.016 cm , and the medium in the waveguide is air,
then from (10.111), the cut-off frequency is

1
f cTM mn = (m a )2 + (n b )2
2 μ 0ε 0
2 2
3 × 108 ⎛ m ⎞ ⎛ n ⎞
= 100 × ⎜ ⎟ +⎜ ⎟
2 ⎝ 2.286 ⎠ ⎝ 1.016 ⎠

The modes in the waveguide must satisfy 25 GHz > f cTM mn . Therefore,

2 2
2 × 25 × 109 × 10− 2 ⎛ m ⎞ ⎛ n ⎞
> ⎜ ⎟ +⎜ ⎟
3 × 10 8
⎝ 2.286 ⎠ ⎝ 1.016 ⎠
2 2
5 ⎛ m ⎞ ⎛ n ⎞
⇒ > ⎜ ⎟ +⎜ ⎟
3 ⎝ 2.286 ⎠ ⎝ 1.016 ⎠

The only sets (n, m) that satisfy the above inequality are (m = 1, n = 1) ,
(m = 1, n = 2) , and (m = 1, n = 3). Consequently, the TM modes that may exist in
the waveguide are TM11 , TM12 , TM13 .

Example 10.10
An air-filled rectangular waveguide operates at 30 GHz. If the cut-off frequency
of the mode TM21 is 18 GHz, for this mode find

(a) The wavelength.

(b) The phase constant.
(c) The phase velocity.
(d) The wave impedance.
Solution
Given that f = 30 GHz , f cTM 21 = 18 GHz , and the waveguide is filled with air.
690 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

(a) The wavelength can be obtained from (10.115) as

λ 1 1
λg = =
(
1 − f cTM 21 f )
2
(
f μ 0ε 0 1 − f TM 21 f
c )
2

3 × 108 1
= = 1.25 cm
3 × 10 1 − (18 30 )2
10

(b) The phase constant is

= β 1 − ( f cTM 21 f ) = β 1 − (18 30 ) = 2π f μ 0ε 0 × 0.8

2
βg 2

2π × 3 × 1010
= × 0.8 = 160π rad m
3 × 108

(c) The phase velocity is

υ υ
υp = =
1 − ( f cTM f ) 1 − (18 30 )
2 2
21

1 1 3 × 108
= × = = 3.75 × 108 m s
μ 0ε 0 0.8 0.8

(d) The wave impedance is

= η 1 − ( f cTM 21 f ) = η 1 − (18 30 )
2 2
Z TM 21
= 0.8 × μ 0 ε 0 = 0.8 × 277 = 301.6 Ω

10.4. DOMINANT MODE

The dominant mode is the mode of the lowest cut-off frequency. The cross section
dimensions of the waveguide are a and b as shown in Fig. (10.11), such that
a > b . Lowest cut-off frequencies occur at the lowest modes TE 01 , TE10 , TM 01 ,
and TM10 . The modes TM10 and TM 01 does not exist because when n = 0 or
m = 0 , the TM mode electromagnetic fields vanish as evident from the set of
equations (10.109a) – (10.109f). The cut-off frequency for the TE10 mode from
(10.81) is f
TE10 = υ 2a , while the cut-off frequency for the mode TE 01 is
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 691

f cTE 01 = υ 2b . Since a > b , then f
TE 01 > f
TE10 . Thus, the lowest possible cut-off
frequency of the rectangular waveguides is f
TE10 = υ 2a . It follows that the
dominant mode that can propagate through the metallic rectangular waveguides is
the TE10 mode. The instantaneous electromagnetic fields components of the
dominant mode in a rectangular waveguide of Fig. (10.11) can be obtained by
putting m = 1 and n = 0 in (10.78a) – (10.78f) as

E xg = E zg = H yg = 0 (10.124a)
E yg = (a ωμ π ) H10 sin (π x a) sin(ω t − β g z ) (10.124b)
H xg = − (aβ g π ) H10 sin (π x a) sin(ω t − β g z ) (10.124c)
H zg = H10 cos (π x a) cos(ω t − β g z ) (10.124d)

Note that the dominant mode fields characterized by only one electric field
component in the y direction, and one transverse magnetic component in the x
direction, in addition to the magnetic field component in the direction of
propagation.

Consider the fields in (10.78a) – (10.78f) at the instant t = 0 sec, on the orthogonal
planes A, B, and C shown in Fig. (10.12). Where Plane A: z = λ
4 , 0 ≤ x ≤ a ,
0 ≤ y ≤ b , Plane B: x = a 2 , 0 ≤ y ≤ b , − λ
4 ≤ z ≤ λ
4 , and Plane C: y = b ,
0 ≤ x ≤ a , − λ
4 ≤ z ≤ λ
4 . The electric and magnetic fields at the instant t = 0
sec are:

Plane A:

E yg = − (a π ) ωμ H10 sin (π x a) (10.125a)

H xg = (a π ) β g H10 sin (π x a) (10.125b)
H zg = 0 (10.125c)

Plane B:

E yg = −(a π ) ωμ H10 sin (2π z λg ) (10.126a)

H xg = (a π ) β g H10 sin (2π z λg ) (10.126b)
H zg = 0 (10.126c)
692 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

Plane C:

E yg = − (a π ) ωμ H10 sin (π x a) sin (2π z λg ) (10.127a)

H xg = (a π ) β g H10 sin (π x a) sin (2π z λg ) (10.127b)
H zg = H10 cos (π x a) cos (2π z λg ) (10.127c)

Using the above equations, the field lines on the planes A, B, and C can be
constructed as shown in Fig. (10.12). The characteristics of the dominant mode
are obtained by letting m = 1 and n = 0 in the all relevant TE mn mode
expressions and the results are summarized in Table 10.1.

TE10 Fields
E
y H y
Plane A (z = λ10/4) Plane B (x = a/2)
b b

x z
0 a/2 a λg /4 -λg /4

λg /4 - λg /4
z

y +

+
C +

+ +
+
+

b +

A B
x a
a/2 a Plane C (y = b)
z x

Fig. (10.12). TE 10 mode electric and magnetic fields in a rectangular waveguide.

Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 693

Table 10.2. The characteristics of the dominant mode in a rectangular

waveguide.
Mathematical
Parameter Parameter Mathematical Expression
Expression
Cut-off frequency 1 Wave
f TE10
2a με Impedance Z TE10 η (
1 − f cTE10 f ) 2

Cut-off Wavelength
2a
Average Power abη H 10
2
1 − f cTE( 10
f )
2

λ
P a
TE10
4 (f TE10
f )
2
c

Phase Velocity
Phase Constants β
( ) ( )
2 2
β 1 − f cTE 10
f υ
υ 1− f c
TE10
f

Group Velocity
Propagation Constants

(
jβ 1 − f cTE10 f )
2
υ
υ 1 − f cTE ( 10
f ) 2

Wavelength λ
λ (
1 − f cTE 10
f )
2 Note: β = 2π f με , λ = 2π β , η = μ ε , and
υ = 1 με .

Example 10.11
An AM signal at 12 GHz propagates in a rectangular waveguide of square cross
section with side 2 cm. If the mode of operation is the TM11 mode, find the group
velocity of the AM signal.

Solution
The signal frequency is f = 12 GHz , and given that a = b = 2 cm . Then the
group velocity from (10.119) can be obtained as

υ
=
1
(
1 − f cTM11 f ) 2
(
= 3 × 108 1 − f cTM11 12 × 109 ) 2

μ 0ε 0

The cut-off frequency f cTM11 is

1 1 1 1 3 × 108
f cTM11 = (m a )2 + (n a )2 = = = 10.6 GHz
2 μ 0ε 0 μ 0ε 0 2a 2 × 10 − 2 2
⇒ υ
= 3 × 108 1 − (10.6 12) = 1.406 × 108 m s
2
694 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

Example 10.12
Write expressions for the electromagnetic fields in a rectangular waveguide at the
instant t = 0 sec on the plane z = λ
4 , 0 ≤ x ≤ a , 0 ≤ y ≤ b for the cases:
(a) TE 20 mode.
(b) TM31 mode.
Hence, Sketch the electric and magnetic field lines for both modes.
Solution
For the TE 20 mode, m = 2 and n = 0 . From (10.108), β c = 2π a . Hence, at t = 0
sec, using (10.77a) – (10.77f), the fields on the plane z = λ
4 , are

E x
= E z
= H y
= H z
= 0
E y
= −(2a ωμ π ) H 20 sin (2π x a )
H x
= (2aβ
π ) H 20 sin (2π x a )
Similarly, for the TM31 mode, m = 3 and n = 1 . Letting E0 = 3πβ
E31 aβc2  the
field expressions on the planes z = λ
4 , 0 ≤ x ≤ a , 0 ≤ y ≤ b can be written as

E z
= H z
= 0
E x
= E0 cos(3π x a )sin (π y b)
E y
= (3aE0 b)sin (3π x a )cos(π y b)
H x
= −(aE0 3bZ TM 31 )sin (3π x a )cos(π y b)
H y
= (E0 ZTM 31 )cos(3π x a )sin (π y b)
The sketches for the modes TE20 and TM31 are shown in Fig. (10.13).
E
y y
TE20 H TM31
b b

b/2 b/2

x x
0 a/4 a/2 3a/4 a 0 a/3 2a/3 a
Fig. (10.13). Electric and magnetic fields lines on the plane z = λg 4 , 0 ≤ x ≤ a , 0 ≤ y ≤ b for the TE20 and
TM31 modes in the rectangular waveguide of Example 10.12.
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 695

10.5. POWER LOSS AND ATTENUATION IN WAVEGUIDES

The derivation of electromagnetic field expressions in the waveguides, assumes

ideal waveguides of their walls are made of conducting materials with infinite
conductivity (σ c = ∞) and filled with lossless media (σ d = 0). The practical
waveguides are made of conducting materials with finite conductivities (σ c ≠ ∞)
and field with media of small loss (σ d ≠ 0). Although the waveguides transmit
the electromagnetic power efficiently, some of the transmitted power may be lost
in the waveguide due to the finite conductivity of the walls of the waveguide, and
the dielectric loss in the medium of the waveguide. The power loss in the
waveguide is small and has no effect on the electromagnetic fields expressions
presented in this previous sections.

The power loss in the waveguide increases with waveguide length and can be
expressed in terms of the overall all attenuation constant α
, where

α  = α
+ α (10.128)

α
is the attenuation constant due to the finite conductivity of the walls of the
waveguide and α
is the attenuation constant due to the loss of the dielectric in
the waveguide.

10.5.1. Attenuation Constant α

Assuming that the power loss is small and its effect is restricted only to the
propagation constant
= jβ g  Then the propagation constant in the expressions
(10.77a) – (10.77f), (10.78a) – (10.78f), (10.109a) – (10.109f), and (10.110a) –
(10.110f), is to be modified to include the overall attenuation constant α
as
follows

′ = α g + jβ g (10.129)

The attenuation due to the dielectric loss α
satisfies

α d + jβ g′ = (mπ a )2 + (nπ b )2 − ω2με d (10.130)

696 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

where ε d is the complex permittivity of the medium in the waveguide. The

complex permittivity can be written as

σd ⎛ σ ⎞
εd = ε− j = ε⎜⎜1 − j d ⎟⎟ (10.131)
ω ⎝ ωε ⎠

where σ
ωε is the loss tangent of the medium. Substituting ε d from (10.131)

into (10.130), and squaring both sides of (10.131), then equating the real and
imaginary parts in both sides of the result, yields

αd2 − βg′2 = (mπ a ) + (nπ b ) − ω2με = −βg2

2 2
(10.132)
2 α d β g′ = ωμ σ d (10.133)

Since the attenuation is small in waveguides, αd2 << βg′2 , then from (10.132),
β g′ ≈ β g . Substituting β g′ = β g in (10.133), α
can be obtained as

ωμ σ d ωμ σ d
αd ≈ ≈
2β g 2 ω με − (mπ a ) − (nπ b )
2 2 2
(10.134)
ησ d
≈
2 1 − ( fc f )
2

where f c is the cut-off frequency and η = μ ε .

10.5.2. Attenuation Constant α

The attenuation constant α
appears in the first term of (10.128) can be computed
from the rate of power loss per unit length along the walls of the waveguide. The
spatial electromagnetic fields in the waveguide can be rewritten considering the
attenuation by replacing the propagation constant of the ideal case
by the
propagation constant
′ and using β g′ = β g . Hence, the general spatial fields in
the waveguide become

E′s (x, y, z ) = E(x, y )e
e

− α z − jβ z
(10.135)
H′s (x, y, z ) = H(x, y )e
e

− α z − jβ z
(10.136)
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 697

Using (10.135) and (10.136) along with (10.33), the total power transmitted
through the waveguide at any point z, taking the losses into consideration is Pa′ ,
where

1 ⎡ ⎤
Pa′ = Re ⎢ ∫∫ E′s × H′s∗ ⋅ dS⎥
2 ⎣⎢ S ⎦⎥
1 −2 α z ⎡ ∗
⎤
= e g Re ⎢ ∫∫ E s × H s ⋅ dS⎥ (10.136)
2 ⎢⎣ S ⎥⎦
− 2 (α d + α c )z
= Pa e

Pa is the average power transmitted through an ideal waveguide. The power loss
due to the attenuation in the walls is much greater than that due to the dielectric
loss ( α
>> α ). Therefore, (10.136) reduces to

Pa′ = Pa e −2 α
z (10.137)

The power loss per unit length due to the finite conductivity of the waveguide
walls Pc can be expressed as the rate of the power decrease with the distance. For
waves traveling along the z-axis as shown in Fig. (10.14), Pc can be written as

ΔPa′ dP′
Pc = − = − a = α c Pa e − 2 α c z = 2 α c Pa′ (10.138)
Δz Δz → 0 dz

Consequently, the attenuation constant α
is found as

Pc
α
= (10.139)
2 Pa′

Assuming α
does not depend on z, then at z = 0, Pa′ = Pa , where Pa is the total

input power to be transmitted through the waveguide. Thus, (10.139) becomes

Pc
α
= (10.140)
2 Pa
698 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

Referring to Fig. (10.14), the power dissipated Pd along the waveguide at any
point z can be determined by subtracting the power Pa′ at a distance z from the
power Pa at the input of the waveguide. Therefore, using (10.137), the dissipated
power along the waveguide can be expressed as

( ) (
Pd = Pa − Pa′ = Pa 1 − e −2(α + α
)z = Pa′ e 2(α + α
)z − 1 ) (10.141)

The average power loss per unit length Pc can be computed from the induced
currents due to the tangential magnetic fields on the internal surface of the
waveguide walls. Assuming the tangential magnetic field is H tan as shown in Fig.
(10.14), the associated electric field Etan is also tangential to the internal walls of
the waveguide and perpendicular to the magnetic field. The mathematical relation
between H tan and Etan can be written as

Etan = Zc H tan (10.142)

where Z c is the intrinsic impedance of the waveguide wall and can be written
from (8.76) as

1
Zc = (1 + j ) (10.143)
σc δ

P′a

Pc = -Δ P′a /Δz Pa

Δz → 0
P′a
ΔP′a

an
z
Etan z = 0
Htan
Walls of the Guide

Δz z
Fig. (10.14). Power loss in the walls of the waveguide
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 699

where δ = 1 π f μ σ c is the skin depth. The average power of the tangential

electromagnetic fields can be obtained as

1 ⎡ ⎤
Pc = Re ⎢∫∫ Etan × H∗tan ⋅ dS⎥ (10.144)
2 ⎣S ⎦

Note that the average power of the tangential fields and S are both perpendicular
to the walls of the waveguide. Considering that the unit vector in the direction of
normal to the walls is a n , then dS = andl , where dl is the unit length along the
circumference of the waveguide. Therefore, using (10.142) – (10.144), the
average power loss can be written as
1
Re[Z c ]∫ H tan dl
2
Pc =
2 l
(10.145)
1
∫H
2
= dl
2 δσ c
tan
l

The current density on the internal surface of the waveguide walls is given by

K = an × H = H tan (10.146)

From (10.145) and (10.146), the average power loss expression becomes

1
∫K
2
Pc = dl (10.147)
2 δσ c l

Substituting P
from (10.147) into (10.140), the attenuation constant α
for a

general metallic waveguide can be expressed as

RS
∫K
2
α
= dl (10.148)
2 Pa l

where RS = 1 (δσ c ) is the surface impedance per unit length of the waveguide
walls. The power Pa is given by (10.98) or (10.123) for TE and TM mode fields
respectively.
700 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

10.6. POWER LOSS IN THE RECTANGULAR WAVEGUIDES

For the rectangular waveguide the unit vector normal a n is as follows:

Table 10.3. Unit vectors normal to the waveguide walls.

Wall an
x = 0, 0 ≤ y ≤ b an = +a x
x = a, 0 ≤ y ≤ b an = −a x
y = 0, 0 ≤ x ≤ a a n = +a y
y = b, 0 ≤ x ≤ a an = −a y

Using (10.146) and Table 10.3, the spatial surface current density on the walls of
the waveguide can be obtained as follows:

Current density on the wall y = 0 , 0 ≤ x ≤ a

K x =0 = +a x × (a x H xs + a y H ys + a z H zs ) = +a z H y s − a y H zs (10.149a)

Current density on the wall y = b , 0 ≤ x ≤ a

K x =a = −a x × (a x H xs + a y H ys + a z H zs ) = −a z H ys + a y H zs (10.149b)

Current density on the wall x = 0 , 0 ≤ y ≤ b

K y =0 = +a y × (a x H xs + a y H ys + a z H zs ) = −a z H xs + a x H zs (10.149c)

Current density on the wall x = a , 0 ≤ y ≤ b

K y =b = −a y × (a x H xs + a y H ys + a z H zs ) = +a z H x s − a x H zs (10.149d)

Note that K y =0 = −K y =b and K x = 0 = −K x = a . Since only the magnitude of the

current density is needed in (10.148), it is necessary to compute the current
density in all four walls, instead, the current density on walls x = 0 and y = 0 can
be computed and multiplied by two. Substituting the current densities from
(10.149a) – (10.149d) into (10.147), putting in mind that dl = dx for walls y = 0
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 701

and y = b , and dl = dy for walls x = 0 and x = a , the average power loss in the
rectangular waveguide can be obtained as

1 ⎡ ⎤
a b
2 2
Pc = ⎢∫ 2 K dx + ∫ 2 K dy ⎥
2δσ c ⎢⎣ 0 y=0 0 x=0 ⎥⎦
(10.150)
1 ⎡
( ) ( ) ⎤
a b
2 2
= ⎢ ∫ H xs + H zs dx + ∫ H ys 2 + H zs
2
dy ⎥
δσ c ⎢⎣ 0 y=0 0 x=0 ⎥⎦

Equation (10.150) is general for all metallic rectangular waveguides.

10.6.1. Power Loss in the Waveguides Supporting TE Mode Fields

Substituting H xs , H ys , and H zs from (10.109d) – (10.109f) into (10.150), the
power loss per unit length of a waveguide that supporting TE modes becomes

1
a ⎡⎛ β mπ ⎞
2
⎤
P TE mn
= ∫ ⎢⎜⎜
2 H mn ⎟⎟ sin 2 (mπ x a ) + (Fmn )2 cos2 (mπ x a )⎥ dx
δ σ c 0 ⎢⎝ βc
c
⎣
a ⎠ ⎥⎦
(10.151)
1 ⎡⎛ β
⎤
2
b
nπ ⎞
⎟⎟ sin 2 (nπ y b ) + (Fmn )2 cos2 (nπ y b )⎥ dy
δ σ c ∫0 ⎢⎜⎝ βc2
+ ⎢⎜ H mn
⎣
b ⎠ ⎥⎦

Using the formulas (10.97a) – (10.97d), integrals in (10.151) can be evaluated for
all possible combinations of m and n . Simplifying the results, the power loss per
unit length in a rectangular waveguide supporting TE mode can be expressed as

⎧0, m = 0, n = 0
⎪H 2
[
⎪ 0 n b ( f f cTE 0 n ) 2 + 2a , ] m = 0, n ≠ 0
⎪ 2 δσ c
⎪ 2
= ⎨ H m0
PcTE mn
⎪ 2 δσ
[ ]
a ( f f cTE m 0 ) 2 + 2b , m ≠ 0, n = 0
⎪ c

⎪ H mn ⎧ ( f f TE mn ) 2 − 1 ⎡ a (m a ) + b (n b ) ⎤ + a + b ⎫,
2

[ ]
2 2
m ≠ 0, n ≠ 0
⎪ 2 δ σ c ⎨⎩ c ⎢ (m a ) 2 + (n b ) 2 ⎥
⎣ ⎦
⎬
⎭
⎩
(10.152)
702 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

Substituting the average power of the TE mode fields from (10.98) and PcTE mn
from (10.152) into (10.140), the attenuation factor for the rectangular waveguide
supporting TE mode, after some algebraic manipulations, can be written as

⎧0, m = 0, n = 0
⎪ 1
⎪
(
b + 2a f cTE 0 n f )2
, m = 0, n ≠ 0
⎪η δ σ c ab 1 − ( f TE 0 n
f) 2

a + 2b ( f f)
c
⎪⎪ TE m 0 2 (10.153)
α cTE mn =⎨ 1 c
, m ≠ 0, n = 0
⎪η δ σ c ab 1 − ( f c
TE 0 n
f) 2

⎪
) + (a + b)( f )
⎡ bm 2 + an 2 ⎤
(
TE mn
⎪ 2
2
f
⎢ 2 2 1 − f cTE mn f 2 c
⎥, m ≠ 0, n ≠ 0
1− (f )
⎪η δ σ
⎢⎣ b m + a n
2 2
⎪⎩ c c
TE mn
f 2
⎥⎦

Example 10.13
A waveguide of a square cross section transmits electromagnetic power at TE 22
mode. The waveguide is made of copper ( σ c = 5.7 × 107 S m ) and filled with
polystyrene ( ε r = 2.56, σ d = 10 −17 ). The operating frequency is double the cut-off
frequency of the waveguide. If the amplitude of the electric field components are
100 V/m and their frequency is 16 GHz., find

(a) The amplitude of H zs .

(b) The power loss per unit length in the walls of the waveguide.
(c) The average transmitted power through the waveguide.
(d) The attenuation constant of the waveguide.
(e) The power dissipated in 150 cm along the waveguide.

Solution
Given that a = b , f cTE 22 f = 0.5 , ε r = 2.56 and Ex = Ex = 100 V m .

(a) The amplitude of H zs for the TE 22 mode is H 22 , then from (10.77a)

ωμ 0 nπ ωμ mπ
Exs max = E ys = 2
H mn = 20 H mn = 100
max βc b βc a
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 703

Since a = b and m = n = 2 , then

π aβ c
βc = (mπ a ) + (nπ b)
2 2
=2 2
a
⇒
π
=2 2

βc 2
⇒ f TE 22
= =
2 μ 0ε 0ε r π a μ 0ε 0ε r
c

a βc2 aβ c βc 2 f cTE 22
⇒ H 22 = 100 × = 100 × × = 100 × ×
mπ ωμ 0 2π μ 0 2π f η f
2.56 1 
= 100 × 2 × × = 0.3 A m
120π 2

(b) The power loss per unit length can be obtained by substituting a = b and
m = n = 2 in (10.152) , as

[(
⎧⎪
) − 1] ⎡⎢ a (m a ) + b (n b ) ⎤ ⎫⎪
2 2 2
H 2
P TE 22
= mn TE
⎨ f f c mn ⎥ + a + b⎬
2 δσ c ⎣ (m a ) + (n b ) ⎦
c 2 2
⎪⎩ ⎪⎭
2 2
5 a H mn 5 a H 22 π f μ0
= =
2 δσ c 2 σc

Since the operating frequency is f = 16 GHz = 2 f cTE 22 ,

2
⇒ f cTE 22 = f 2 = 8 × 109 =
a μ 0ε 0ε r

2 × 3 ×108
⇒ a= = 0.033 m = 3.3 cm
8 ×109 2.56

Substituting f = 16 GHz , a = 0.033 m , σ c and μ 0 in the above equation,

5 × 0.033 × (0.3) π × 16 × 109 × 4π × 10 − 7

2
⇒P TE 22
= = 24.73 × 10 −5 W
5.7 × 10
c 7
2 
704 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

(c) The average transmitted power through the waveguide at 16 GHz from
(10.98), is
2

PaTE 22 =
abη H 22
(
8 f cTE mn f 2
)
1 − f cTE mn f
2
( )

=
(
0.033
2
×
)
120π
×
0.3
2
1− 1 2
2 ( ) ( )
8 2.56 1 2
2
( )
⇒ PaTE 22 = 10 mW 

(d) The overall attenuation is α  = α
+ α . The attenuation constant due to

conduction loss α
at 16 GHz for the TE 22 mode can be computed using
(10.140) as

Pc P TE 22 24.73 × 10 −5
α cTE 22 = = c TE 22 = −2
= 1.236 × 10 − 2 Np m = −0.1073 dB m 
2 Pa 2 Pa 2 × 1 × 10

Alternatively, α TE
c
22
 can be computed by substituting a = b , m = n = 2 , and
f cTE 22 = f 2 in (10.153), as α TE
c = 1.236 × 10 −2 Np m .
22

The dielectric attenuation for the TE 22 mode is

ησ d μ 0 ε 0ε r σd
α TE ≈ =
( ) ( )
22
d
2 1 − f cTE 22 f
2 2 1 − f cTE 22 f
2

120π × 10 −17
= = 1.36 × 10 −15 Np m
2.56 1 − 1 2 ( ) 2

The overall attenuation constant is

−2
αgTE 22 = αcTE 22 + αTE
d
22
≈ αTE
c
22
≈ 1.236 ×10 Np m

Since α TE
d
22
<< α TE
c
22
In dB per meter, α

TE 22
can be computed as

α
TE 22
dB
(
= 20 log e
α
TE 22 z
)= 20log(e −4.8×10 −3
)= −0.1073 dB m
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 705

(e) The input power is computed in (c) as PaTE = 10 × 10 −3 W , then the power
22

dissipated Pd in 150 cm along the waveguide using (10.141) is

[ ]
Pd = Pa 1 − e− 2 (α d + α c ) z = 10 × 10−3 × ⎡ 1 − e− 2 × (1.236×10
⎢⎣
−3
) × 1.5 ⎤ = 37 μW
⎥⎦

10.6.2. Power Loss in the Waveguides Supporting TM Mode Fields

Following similar analysis as in the TE case, the power loss in the rectangular
waveguide supporting TM waves can be obtained by substituting H xs and H ys
from (10.109d) and (10.109e) with H zs = 0 into (10.150). Simplifying the results,
the power loss per unit length for the TM case can be written as

⎡ b(m a )2 + a (n b )2 ⎤
2
1 E mn
TM mn
= (10.154)
P c
(
2η 2 δ σ c f cTM 21 f ) 2 ⎢
⎣ (m a ) + (n b ) ⎦
2 2 ⎥

The attenuation constant can be obtained by substituting the power of the TM

mode fields in a rectangular waveguide given by (10.123), and the power loss
from (10.154), into (10.140). Making these substitutions and after some algebraic
manipulation, the attenuation constant for the TM mode in a rectangular
waveguide can be expressed as

2 b3m2 + a 3n 2 1
α TM mn
= (10.155)
c
η ab δσ c b m + a n 1 − f c mn f
2 2 2 2 TM
( ) 2

SOLVED PROBLEMS

Solved Problem 10.1

An air-filled rectangular waveguide has cross-sectional dimensions a = 6 cm and
b = 3 cm. Given that

H z
= cos(π y b)sin(2π ×1010 t − β
z ) A m

Determine the mode of operation, and then calculate the phase constant, the wave
impedance of this mode and the average power flow in the waveguide.
706 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

Solution
Since H z
≠ 0 , m = 0 , and n = 1 , then the mode is TE 01 .

The operating frequency is f = 10 GHz , and the cut-off frequency is

υ0 n 3 × 108 1
f cTM 01 = = = 5 GHz
2 b 2 3 × 10 − 2

The phase constant is

2π × 1010
β g = 2πf μ 0 ε 0 1 − ( f cTE 01
f ) 2
= 1 − (1 2 ) 2 = 181.5 rad m 
3 × 10 8
The wave impedance is

η0 η0 120π
Z TE 01 = = = = 435.49 Ω
(
1− f c
TE 01
f ) 2
1 − (1 2 ) 2 0.6

The average power can be computed using (10.98) as

PaTE 01 =
ab 3 f 2 μ 2
η n 2
2
H 01 1 − f cTE 01 f ( ) 2

=
( ) (
3
6 × 10 − 2 × 3 × 10 − 2 × 1010 × 4π × 10 − 7 ) × (1)
2 2
1 − (1 2 ) 2 = 59.52 mW
120π

Solved Problem 10.2

An air-filled rectangular waveguide has a cross-section a × b , such that a > b .
Find the range of frequencies that permits propagation of the dominant mode
only. If the waveguide is operated at a frequency higher than the cut-off frequency
of the dominant mode by 25%, and lower than the cut-off frequency of the next
higher-order mode to dominant mode by 25%, find the dimensions of the
waveguide. Then, compute the

(a) Group velocity in the waveguide.

(b) Wave impedance.
(c) The wavelength of waves at 15 GHz in the waveguide.
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 707

Solution

The dominant mode in rectangular waveguides is the TE10 mode and its cut-off
frequency is
υ0
f cTE10 =
2a
The next higher mode is TE 01 and its cut-off frequency is

υ0
f cTE 01 =
2b
Hence, the range of frequencies that permits propagation of the dominant mode
only is

υ0 υ
< f < 0
2a 2b

The operating frequency f satisfies f = 1.25 f cTE10 = 0.75 f cTE 01 . Thus,

1.25υ0 0.75υ0 3
f = 1.25 f cTE10 = = 0.75 f cTE 01 = ⇒ b= a
2a 2b 5
(a) The group velocity is

υg =
1
× 1 − f cTE10 f ( ) 2

μ 0ε 0
1
⇒ υg = 1 − (1 1.25 ) 2 = 3 × 10 8 × 0.6 = 1.8 × 10 8 m s
μ 0ε 0

(b) The wave impedance is

η η 120π
Z TE10 = = = = 200π Ω
(
1 − f cTE10 f ) 2
1 − (1 1.25 ) 2 0.6
708 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

(c) The wavelength for waves propagate at 15 GHz in the waveguide is

λ 1 1 3 × 108 1
λ
= = × = × = 3.33 cm
1 − (1 1.25) f μ 0ε 0 0.6 15 × 10 0.6
2 9

Solved Problem 10.3

An air-filled rectangular waveguide, operating at the dominant mode TE10 , with
cross section dimensions a = 1.58 cm and b = 0.8 cm , is used as a phase shifter at
15 GHz. 'etermine the length of the waveguide that introduces a total phase shift
of 150 degrees.

Solution
Given that a = 1.58 cm , b = 0.8 cm , f = 15 GHz ,and the operation mode is TE10 .
Hence, the cut-off frequency is

υ0 3 × 108
f cTE10 = = = 9.49 GHz
2a 2 × 1.58 × 10− 2
The phase constant is

2π × 9.49 × 10 9
β g = 2π f μ 0 ε 0 1 − ( f cTM 10
f ) 2
= 1 − (9.49 15 ) 2
3 × 10 8

= 154 rad m

Converting 150 to radians, then

150
150 = = 47.73 rad
π

Assume the length that introduces 150 = 47.73 rad is z , then

β g z = 47.73

47.73
⇒ z= = 0.31 m = 31 cm
154 

The required length is 31 cm.

Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 709

Solved Problem 10.4

An X-band rectangular waveguide, with dimensions a = 2.286 cm and
b = 1.016 cm and filled with a dielectric material having a relative permittivity of
2.25. If the waveguide is to be used as a delay line, find the length of the
waveguide so that the total delay it presents at 10 GHz is 2 μs .

Solution
Since ε r = 2.25 , a = 2.286 cm and b = 1.016 cm , then the cut-off frequency is

1 1 1.5 × 10 8
fc = (m a )2 + (n a )2 = −2
(m 2.286)2 + (n 1.016)2
2 μ 0ε 0ε r 2.25 × 10

The X-band frequency range extends from 8.2 GHz to 12.4 GHz , the cut-off
frequency must be lower than 8.2 GHz , then f c < 8.2 GHz . Thus,

8.2 × 109 > 1010 (m 2.286)2 + (n 1.016)2 

⇒ 3.514 > m2 + 5.0625 n2

The only values of m and n that satisfy the above inequality are ( m = 0 , n = 0 )
and ( m = 1 , n = 0 ). Since there is no modes correspond to ( m = 0 , n = 0 ), the
waveguide must operate at the mode TE 10 . Hence, the cut-off frequency is

1010
f cTE10 = = 4.38 GHz
2.286
Let the length of the waveguide that presents the time delay t = 2 μs is z , then

z = υg t =
t
(
× 1 − f cTE10 f ) 2

μ 0ε 0 .
= 2 × 10 − 6 × 3 × 10 8 1 − (4.38 10 ) 2 = 539.55 m
710 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

PROBLEMS

10.1. In an air-filled rectangular waveguide with a = 2.286 cm and b = 1.016 cm,

the y-component is given by

E yg = 5sin(2πx a) sin(3π ×1010 t − βg z ) V m

Find the

(a) Mode of operation.

(b) Propagation constant.
(c) Wave impedance.
(d) Average power transmitted through the waveguide.

10.2. An air-filled waveguide, operating at 6 GHz has the spatial electric field

Ez = 10sin(100π x) sin(50π y ) V m

If the cross-section of the waveguide is square, determine the

(a) Mode of operation

(b) Cut-off frequency
(c) Phase velocity
(d) Average power transmitted through the waveguide.

10.3. Write expressions for the TM11 electromagnetic fields in a rectangular

waveguide at the instant t = 0 second. Draw the field pattern of this mode
on the plane z = λ
4 , 0 ≤ x ≤ a , 0 ≤ y ≤ b at the instant t = 0 second.

10.4. An air-filled rectangular waveguide is to be used to transmit signals of a

carrier frequency of 6 GHz. Find the cross section dimensions of the
waveguide, if the cut-off frequency of the dominant mode is lower by 25%
than the carrier frequency, and that of the next higher-order mode is at
least 25% higher than the carrier frequency.

10.5. An air-filled rectangular waveguide has dimensions a = 2.286 cm and

b = 1.016 cm . If the waveguide operates at 10 GHz, find for the dominant
mode, the

(a) Cut-off frequency.

Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 711

(b) Phase and group velocities.

(c) Wave impedance.

10.6. The cross section dimensions of a rectangular waveguide are a and b .

Compute the cut-off frequencies of the modes: TE 01 , TE10 , TE11 , TE 02 ,
TE 20 , TM11, TM12 , and TM 22 normalized to the cut-off frequency of the
dominant mode, if
(a) a = 3b .
(b) a = b .

10.7. The cross section dimensions of an air-filled rectangular waveguide are

5 cm and 2 cm . If the following electric field components propagate in the
waveguide

E zg = 20 sin (40πx ) cos(50πy ) cos(30π ×109 t − βg z ) V m

Find the
(a) Propagation mode.
(b) Phase constant in the waveguide.

10.8. An air-filled rectangular waveguide has dimensions 4 cm × 2 cm , transmits

a power of 2 mW at the dominant mode. If the operating frequency is 10
GHz, find the amplitude of the electric field in the waveguide.

10.9. If the cut-off frequency of an air-filled rectangular waveguide is 5 GHz at

TE10 mode and 12 GHz at TE 01 mode. Find the
(a) Dimensions of the waveguide
(b) Next three TE mode cut-off frequencies.

10.10. An air-filled rectangular waveguide has dimensions a = 1cm and b = 3 cm

operates at TE 21 mode. If the operating frequency is higher than the cut-
off frequency by 20%, find the
(a) Operating frequency.
(b) Phase and group velocities.
712 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

10.11. Two signals of carrier frequencies 10 GHz and 12 GHz propagate through
an air-filled rectangular waveguide at the TE10 mode. If the cross section
of the waveguide has dimensions a = 2 cm and b = 1cm , find the time
required for each signal to travel a distance of 10 m down the waveguide.

10.12. An air-filled rectangular waveguide, operating at the dominant mode TE10 ,

with cross section dimensions a = 2.286 cm and b = 1.016 cm , is used as a
phase shifter at 12 GHz. 'etermine the length of the waveguide that
introduces a total phase shift of 100 degrees.

10.13. An air-filled rectangular waveguide with cross section dimensions a and b.

if the waveguide operates at 4 GHz

(a) Determine the allowed modes in the waveguide when a = 8.0 cm and
b = 6.0 cm .
(b) For b = a , find the range of values of a which will allow propagation
through the waveguide in the TE10 mode but not in the TE11, TM11, or
any higher modes.
(c) For the waveguide of part b, determine the surface current densities on
the four walls of the waveguide.

10.14. An air-filled rectangular waveguide is operated at 10 GHz. If the

dimension of the waveguide are a = 2.286 cm and b = 1.016 cm , calculate
the maximum power that can be transmitted without causing dielectric
breakdown of air. The air will break-down when the maximum electric
field is 3 MV m .

10.15. An air-filled rectangular waveguide, operating at the dominant mode TE10 ,

with cross section dimensions a = 2.25 cm and b = 1.125 cm

(a) Find the cut-off frequency.

(b) If the cut-off frequency of the dominant mode to be reduced by a
factor of 2 by replacing the air by a dielectric medium while the
physical dimensions of the waveguide stay the same, find relative
permittivity of the dielectric.

10.16. The operation frequency of a rectangular waveguide of dimensions

2.286 cm ×1.016 cm , is 9 GHz. If the waveguide is made of copper
Rectangular Waveguides Electromagnetics for Engineering Students 713

(σ c = 5.8 × 10 7 S m) and filled with polystyrene, find the attenuation

constant and the total power loss in 50 m along the waveguide for the
dominant mode. For polystyrene (ε r = 2.56, σ d ωε r ε 0 = 3 × 10 −4 ) .

10.17. A rectangular waveguide is made of copper (σ c = 5.8 × 10 7 S m) , and filled

with polystyrene (ε r = 2.56, σ d = 10 −17 ) , has dimensions a = 4.2 cm and
b = 2.6 cm . If the waveguide is used to transmit a power of 1.2 kW at 30
GHz, compute the dissipated power in a 60 m of the guide length at the
mode TE10 .

10.18. A rectangular waveguide is made of aluminum (σ c = 3.5 × 10 7 S m) and

filled with Teflon (ε r = 2.6, σ d = 10 −15 ) , operates at the TE10 mode. If the
dimensions of the waveguide are a = 4.2 cm and b = 1.5 cm , calculate
attenuation constant and the total power loss in dB over 1.5 m of the
waveguide at 4 GHz.

10.19. Show that the attenuation constant due to the finite conductivity σ c of a
rectangular waveguide of a square cross section with side a , operating in a
TM mn mode at a frequency higher than its cut-off frequency by 25%, is
given by

α TM mn
= 10
(m 2
+ n2 ) 1
4

c
(12a )
3
2
σc

10.20. A rectangular waveguide is made of copper (σ c = 5.8 × 10 7 S m) and filled

with Teflon (ε r = 2.6, σ d = 10 −15 ) . A wave of 9 GHz is propagating in the
waveguide at the TE10 mode. If the dimensions of the waveguide are
a = 4.2 cm and b = 1.5 cm , calculate the total power loss in a length of 40
m of the waveguide.

10.21. A waveguide of a square cross section with side a = 4 cm , is filled with a

dielectric of relative permittivity ε′r = 16 (1 − j10 −4 ) . If the waveguide is
operated in the TM21 mode at a frequency higher than the cut-off
714 Electromagnetics for Engineering Students Sameir M. Ali Hamed

frequency by 10%. Find the attenuation constant and the distance that the
wave travel down the waveguide before its amplitude is reduced by 5%.