The Boeing Company
Phase shift of signal reflections of surface traveling waves

Abstract:

An apparatus is provided for causing a phase-shift in reflected signals that are a reflection of surface-traveling wave signals of a select signal frequency. The apparatus comprises a conductive strip having a plurality of slots therein alternatingly arranged orthogonal to each other, each slot having an effective length that is a fraction between 9/16 and 7/8 of the wavelength associated with the select signal frequency, and a plurality of conductive enclosures respectively disposed under each of the plurality of slots. Each of the conductive enclosure have a width and length sufficient to enclose a respective corresponding slot, and a depth that is a fraction of between 1/8 and 3/8 of the wavelength associated with the select signal frequency when transmitted in the dielectric material. The plurality of slots and plurality of conductive enclosures cause a phase-shift in the range of 150 to 210 degrees in reflected signals that are a reflection of surface-traveling wave signals at the select signal frequency which impinge the apparatus.