Artificial materials and the Zenneck surface wave.

Abstract

Spatial control of electromagnetic energy has, and will continue to be, one of the preeminent factors in any electromagnetic design. This control is made possible by energy storage, which in turn comes about as a result of geometry and material properties. The end goal of the manipulation of fields is, however, severely limited by natural material properties. As a result, artificial materials have been extensively researched. New use cases, nevertheless, will be created that require original or more specific analysis. One such area is the launching of the Zenneck surface wave. The use of anisotropic high permeability materials is suggested as a means to achieve modal matching. Similar research in artificial material has been aimed mainly at either low to negative anisotropic, or high isotropic permeabilities. The resulting void must therefore be addressed. This thesis provides an analysis of the surface mode and anisotropic high permeability use case for the purpose of launching a Zenneck surface wave.