Surface Wave Phenomenon in Wafer Probing Environments

Investigation of microwave and millimeter wave propagation in dielectric slabs and along coplanar transmission lines on dielectric slabs, reveal effects that may be explained by surface wave phenomenon. These surface waves can be transmitted and received with wafer probes and influence the transmission characteristics of coplanar transmission lines. This paper presents measured data showing the presence of surface waves and how they interact with wafer probes and coplanar waveguide transmission lines. Methods for minimizing these interactions are explored and quantified. A discussion of surface wave effects on wafer calibrations is included.