Mode Numbering Systems

The field mode numbering systems arrangements of the various types of operation are divided into two categories: TRANSVERSE ELECTRIC (TE) and TRANSVERSE MAGNETIC (TM).

So far, only the most basic types of E and H field arrangements have been shown. More complicated arrangements are often necessary to make possible coupling, isolation, or other types of operation.

Dominant mode in a rectangular waveguide.

In the transverse electric (TE) mode, the entire electric field is in the transverse plane, which is perpendicular to the length of the waveguide (direction of energy travel). Part of the magnetic field is parallel to the length axis.

In the transverse magnetic (TM) mode, the entire magnetic field is in the transverse plane and has no portion parallel to the length axis.

Since there are several TE and TM modes, subscripts are used to complete the description of the field pattern. In rectangular waveguides, the first subscript indicates the number of half-wave patterns in the "a" dimension, and the second subscript indicates the number of half-wave patterns in the "b" dimension.

The dominant mode for rectangular waveguides is shown in the figure below. It is designated as the TE mode because the E fields are perpendicular to the "a" walls. The first subscript is 1 since there is only one half-wave pattern across the "a" dimension. There are no E-field patterns across the "b" dimension, so the second subscript is 0. The complete mode description of the dominant mode in rectangular waveguides is TE1,0. Subsequent descriptions of waveguide operation in this text will assume the dominant (TE1,0) mode unless otherwise noted.

A similar system is used to identify the modes of circular waveguides. The general classification of TE and TM is true for both circular and rectangular waveguides. In circular waveguides the subscripts have a different meaning. The first subscript indicates the number of full-wave patterns around the circumference of the waveguide. The second subscript indicates the number of half-wave patterns across the diameter.

In the circular waveguide in the first figure below, the E field is perpendicular to the length of the waveguide with no E lines parallel to the direction of propagation. Thus, it must be classified as operating in the TE mode. If you follow the E line pattern in a counterclockwise direction starting at the top, the E lines go from zero, through maximum positive (tail of arrows), back to zero, through maximum negative (head of arrows), and then back to zero again.

This is one full wave, so the first subscript is 1. Along the diameter, the E lines go from zero through maximum and back to zero, making a half-wave variation. The second subscript, therefore, is also 1. TE 1,1 is the complete mode description of the dominant mode in circular waveguides. Several modes are possible in both circular and rectangular waveguides. The last figure below illustrates several different modes that can be used to verify the mode numbering system.

Counting wavelengths in a circular waveguide.

Various modes of operation for rectangular and circular waveguides.

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