Electromagnetic energy transport along Yagi arrays

Ž . Yagi arrays consisting of closely spaced metal rods spacings2 mm, heights14 mm were investigated as guiding structures for Ž . electromagnetic energy in the microwave regime at 8 GHz ls37 mm both by experiment and simulation. Information transport is possible at a group velocity of 0.6c. Ninety percent of the electromagnetic energy is confined within a distance of 0.05l from the guiding structures. The propagation loss in a straight array is 3 dBr8 cm. Routing of energy around 908 corners is possible with a power loss of 3–4 dB. Signals can be split via a tee structure which can also serve as a three-terminal modulator. Analogies to plasmon wires consisting of arrays of nanometer-sized metal clusters are discussed. q 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.