Higher order interactions in magneto-inductive waveguides

The properties of periodic chains of magnetically coupled L–C resonators supporting magneto-inductive (MI) waves are examined in the case when non-nearest neighbour interactions are significant. The variation of the coupling coefficient with separation is measured using resonant elements based on printed circuit board inductors and surface mount capacitors, and used to predict the S-parameters and dispersion characteristics of magnetoinductive waveguides. Good agreement with experimental measurements is obtained when higher order interactions are included. The significance of non-nearest neighbour interactions in more general MI wave devices is then highlighted in an example problem involving reflection from a waveguide discontinuity, and the influence of higher order evanescent waves is discussed.