A high-power microwave circular polarizer and its application on phase shifter

Area of Science:

• Electromagnetics and Wave Propagation
• Microwave Engineering
• RF and Photonics

Background:

• High-power microwave (HPM) systems require efficient polarization control and phase shifting.
• Existing waveguide polarizers and phase shifters often face limitations in power handling and speed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically design and experimentally validate a novel high-power waveguide dual circular polarizer.
• To develop a high-speed, high-power phase shifter integrated with the polarizer.
• To demonstrate the gigawatt-level power capacity of the proposed device.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical design of a waveguide structure featuring rectangular and circular waveguides with specific coupling elements (trapezoidal grooves, spherical crown, iris).
• Experimental proof-of-principle testing of the designed polarizer and phase shifter.
• Integration of a movable short circuit using a dumbbell-like metal plug and servomotor for phase adjustment.
• High power microwave (HPM) experiments in the C-band to assess power capacity.

Main Results:

• Successful theoretical design and experimental validation of the waveguide dual circular polarizer.
• Demonstration of the device's capability to generate left-hand and right-hand circular polarized waves.
• Realization of a high-speed, high-power phase shifter function.
• Experimental verification of gigawatt-level power capacity for the C-band HPM polarizer and phase shifter.

Conclusions:

• The designed waveguide dual circular polarizer and integrated phase shifter is a viable solution for high-power microwave applications.
• The device exhibits excellent power handling capabilities, reaching the gigawatt level.
• This technology offers a promising advancement for HPM systems requiring precise polarization and phase control.