Study of the Multipactor Effect in Ridge Gap Waveguide Technology

Ridge gap waveguides (RGWs) have emerged as promising transmission lines for high-frequency applications and components (i.e., filters), due to their low-loss characteristics and compatibility with standard fabrication processes. This article investigates the limits on the power level (related to the multipactor (MP) effect) within RGWs, focusing on understanding the distribution and propagation of electromagnetic (EM) energy along this waveguide structure. Through simulations, the dependence of power levels on various parameters, such as the ridge dimensions and its proximity to the bed of pins, is explored. Experimental results of the MP effect inside a manufactured prototype of a RGW fully validate the simulated data obtained with the available commercial software tools. The insights provided in this research will help the future design and implementation of efficient and reliable high-frequency communication and sensing systems, for space applications, utilizing the RGW technology.