Evaluation of losses in microstrip gap waveguide for slot antennas applications

The new microstrip gap waveguide supports a quasi-TEM mode in the air by the use of artificial magnetic conductors which force the field to travel in the air rather than in the substrate. This paper presents an evaluation of losses by measuring the Q-factor of a resonator made in this technology, made using a mushroom-type EBG surface. Losses are crucial when using printed circuits to feed slot antennas, thereby motivating this work. Comparisons with standard microstrip lines will be provided, showing promising results