WR-03 E-Plane Bend
The WR-03 E-Plane Bend is a precision-engineered waveguide component that redirects millimeter-wave signals by 90 degrees in the narrow wall (E-field) plane. It is specifically designed for the 220 - 330 GHz frequency range, serving as a critical building block in J-Band infrastructure.
E-plane bends curve along the shorter dimension of the rectangular waveguide cross-section, providing vertical signal routing while maintaining phase integrity. Operating in the extreme J-Band (220-330 GHz), WR-03 is the absolute cutting edge of commercial waveguide technology. The 0.034" x 0.017" aperture is thinner than a credit card, requiring flawless electroforming.
Key Features
E-Plane Geometry
Bend follows the narrow wall (shorter dimension) of the waveguide, routing signals vertically while maintaining the broad-wall dimension.
Low Insertion Loss
Optimized bend radius and CNC-machined interior walls ensure minimal signal degradation through the 90-degree turn.
Precision CNC Machined
Each bend is machined from a solid billet of OFHC copper, maintaining tight dimensional tolerances throughout the bend radius.
Gold-Plated Construction
Gold plating provides excellent conductivity, corrosion resistance, and consistent electrical performance over the component's service life.
J-Band Use Cases
ALMA Telescope
Sub-millimeter astronomy
THz Spectroscopy
Molecular rotational sensing
Material Science
Dielectric characterization
Medical Imaging
Non-ionizing THz scanners
More E-Plane Bends
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an E-plane and H-plane bend?+
An E-plane bend curves the waveguide along its narrow wall (shorter dimension), shifting the electric field vertically. An H-plane bend curves along the broad wall (wider dimension), shifting the magnetic field horizontally.
What is the physical size of the WR-03 opening?+
The internal hole of a WR-03 waveguide is 0.034 inches by 0.017 inches (0.86 mm by 0.43 mm). It is so small that a standard mechanical pencil lead cannot fit inside it. Dust particles alone can severely ruin the VSWR.
Why is gold plating mandatory on WR-03?+
At 300 GHz, the skin depth of the RF signal is less than 0.1 micrometers. The signal travels exclusively on the very outer layer of atoms on the waveguide wall. Even a microscopic layer of copper oxidation will completely absorb the terahertz wave, making non-oxidizing gold plating absolutely mandatory.