Evaluating the effect of using precision alignment dowels on connection repeatability of waveguide devices at frequencies from 750 GHz to 1.1 THz

This paper describes an investigation into the effects of using additional precision alignment dowel pins on the connection repeatability performance of waveguide interfaces at submillimeter-wave frequencies. The waveguide interface type that was used for this investigation is an adapted version of the `precision' UG-387 (i.e. based on the MIL-DTL-3922/67 design), manufactured by Virginia Diodes, Inc. The investigation was undertaken in the WM-250 waveguide band (i.e. at frequencies ranging from 750 GHz to 1.1 THz). Connection performance is compared with and without the use of added precision dowel pins in the inner dowel holes of this flange type. The repeatability of the measurements is assessed using statistical techniques, in terms of the experimental standard deviation in both the real and imaginary components of the complex-valued linear reflection coefficient.