Study of the Q-factor of a surface-wave resonator

By applying field theory and transmission line theory, the Q-factor of a surface-wave resonator is derived. A new technique for determining the Q-factor is developed. Attenuation constants of Sommerfeld and Goubau surface-wave lines of different diameters are determined from a large number of measurements of Q-factor as a function of length of the resonator. The effect of tilt and rotation of one of the end-plates on the Q-factor is also studied. Radiation loss is evaluated. The paper also contains power-flow calculations and experimental verifications of the radial field spread for Sommerfeld and Goubau lines. Physical realizability of the Sommerfeld wave is confirmed.