1. Features

Ideally, the guide should be lossless (zero attenuation) and dispersion-free (a transmitted wave packet does not deform as it propagates). In all articles on "HI guiding structures", we restrict ourselves to uniform guides, i.e. those with a cross-section whose electromagnetic and geometric parameters are invariant along the longitudinal direction of propagation. To predict and optimize the behavior of such guides, it is necessary to determine several of their parameters and characteristics:

• dispersion curves (phase shift and linear attenuation as a function of frequency) to evaluate the distortion produced by the guide on the transmitted signal;

• impedance: knowledge of this parameter is crucial for matching the guide to the connected elements (loads, generator);

• field configuration...