Accurate Analysis of Meanderline Polarizers With Finite Thicknesses Using Mode Matching

Most of the existing methods for the analysis of meanderline polarizer assume that the embedded metallic grids are infinitely thin. A modal procedure is presented here for treating meanderline grids with finite thicknesses. The space between the metallic grids in a unit cell is considered as a meanderline waveguide with a stepped cross-section and length given by the grid thickness. The modes of this guide are obtained using the transverse resonance technique. A generalized scattering matrix characterization of the grid is obtained by field matching of the modes of the meanderline guide and the free space Floquet guide. The accuracy of this approach is verified by the very good agreement obtained between predicted and measured transmission phases of polarizer grids.