Design Strategy and Considerations to Improve Corona Discharge Breakdown in Groove Gap Waveguides

Abstract

This paper studies the corona discharge breakdown thresholds in groove gap waveguides, and proposes a design strategy to enhance its peak power handling capability (PPHC). The theoretical analysis is focused on the study of the quasi-TE 10 mode, and on the PPHC at different frequencies and multiple arrangements of the pin dimensions of the bed of nails. Next, the geometrical parameters width, length and separation of such pins are optimized for improving peak power limits. Finally, the simulated results show reasonably good performance with respect to the equivalent rectangular waveguide power limit.