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2
Fundamentals of Wave Propagation
2.1 Introduction
In the introductory chapter it was noted that microwaves encompass a wide
sphere of applications owing to their many inherent advantages. The study of
microwave systems and devices requires the proper understanding of plane
waves, transmission lines and related topics that are based on eld theory.
In general, these topics are included in the curriculum of electromagnetics
given at a lower level. Since the concepts involved in these form the basis for
microwaves, this chapter summarises some of the essential aspects of wave
propagation in free space, between parallel planes and in transmis ...