South Carolina Patent of the Month – June 2024

Doty Scientific, Inc., experts in nuclear magnetic resonance, have been granted a patent for their latest innovation in the realm of waveguide technology. Designed for the 0.03 to 3 terahertz frequency range, this new waveguide marks a significant leap forward, addressing key limitations of existing waveguide technologies while offering substantial performance advantages.

Traditional waveguides, such as fundamental-mode rectangular or circular types, often struggle with high attenuation rates as frequencies exceed 50-200 GHz. Corrugated overmoded waveguides, while effective at minimizing losses, become prohibitively expensive and cumbersome to manufacture at higher frequencies and reduced diameters. Doty Scientific’s solution bridges these gaps by introducing a dielectric-lined cylindrical waveguide that combines efficiency with practicality.

At the core of Doty Scientific’s innovation lies a laminate structure comprising a single copper layer bonded to a dielectric layer, meticulously formed into a guide tube configuration. This design ensures optimal transmission of radiation at the nominal frequency f0, exceeding capabilities of both fundamental-mode and overmoded waveguides in terms of cost-effectiveness and performance.

The waveguide’s dielectric layer plays a pivotal role, offering remarkable characteristics including a low dielectric loss tangent (<0.003 at 30 GHz), dielectric constant below 3, and an elastic modulus that enhances durability. These properties are crucial for maintaining signal integrity and minimizing energy loss, especially critical at higher frequencies where traditional materials falter.

Doty Scientific’s waveguide design incorporates a support tube with a minimum inside diameter greater than 2λ (where λ is the free-space wavelength at f0), ensuring robust structural support without compromising on transmission efficiency. This feature not only enhances reliability but also facilitates easier integration into diverse applications spanning from medical imaging to advanced communication systems.

This innovation isn’t solely about performance—it’s also about practicality. Doty Scientific has optimized the manufacturing process to achieve a balance between performance and cost, making this waveguide a viable choice across various industries requiring efficient electromagnetic power transmission.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

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