Transverse mode control in a transmission line

摘要

A waveguide apparatus ( 100 ) and method ( 300 ) of mode control can include a waveguide structure ( 102 ) defining at least one cavity ( 116 ) disposed within the waveguide apparatus. The waveguide apparatus has at least a first operational state in which at least one cavity is filled with a conductive fluid ( 126 ) and at least a second operational state in which at least one cavity is purged of the conductive fluid. The waveguide apparatus can further include at least one composition processor ( 150 ) adapted for changing at least one among an electrical characteristic and a physical characteristic of the waveguide apparatus by manipulating a volume of the conductive fluid and a controller ( 172 ) for controlling the composition processor in response to a transmission line mode control signal ( 174 ).