Abstract

In order to effectively exploit the speed-high and high sensitivity potential of both superconducting and electro-optics technologies, proper generation, coupling and propagation of signals with bandwidths in excess of 100 Gigahertz is required. We report on extensive theoretical and experimental investigations of transmission lines of various configuration that was undertaken in order to find an optimum transmission medium which satisfies the ultra-wide bandwidth requirements. The investigation included various substrate thickness and dielectric constants as well as conductor material. We concluded that it is possible to realize transmission line designs capable of supporting bandwidths in excess of 100 Gigahertz if careful attention is paid to the generation and coupling of the ultra-wide bandwidth waveforms, i.e., taking into consideration the radiation and polarization of the fields set up by the generator as well as impedance matching between the generator and the line.

© 1985 Optical Society of America