Comparison of the lowest-order transverse-electric (TE1) and transverse-magnetic (TEM) modes of the parallel-plate waveguide for terahertz pulse applications.

We present a comprehensive experimental study comparing the propagation characteristics of the virtually unknown TE(1) mode to the well-known TEM mode of the parallel-plate waveguide (PPWG), for THz pulse applications. We demonstrate that it is possible to overcome the undesirable effects caused by the TE(1) mode's inherent low-frequency cutoff, making it a viable THz wave-guiding option, and that for certain applications, the TE(1) mode may even be more desirable than the TEM mode. This study presents a whole new dimension to the THz technological capabilities offered by the PPWG, via the possible use of the TE(1) mode. (c) 2009 Optical Society of America