Influence of split ring resonators on the properties of propagating structures

The study of a 50 Omega microstrip line and microstrip resonators loaded with resonant elements called split-ring resonators (SRRs) is presented. The two different filtering phenomena observed lead to make an analogy with those observed when waveguides are loaded with these elements. So, in order to make this analogy, the different results obtained with the SRRs loaded in a propagating and an under cut-off waveguide are shown. Then, another technique to achieve and even improve these results is presented. The technique consists of using, respectively, a 50 Omega microstrip line and capacitive-gap-coupled microstrip resonators instead of the propagating and under cut-off waveguides. The numerical and experimental results obtained with the two structures (waveguides and microstrip lines) are compared and discussed. This study shows that the combination of SRRs with guiding structures helps in the design of compact structures, but an enhancement of the performances needs a better fabrication accuracy