An updated applied formulation for the Goubau transmission line

Abstract

The Goubau line is a unique transmission line that consists of only a single conductor. Its unique properties make it a solid candidate for low-loss RF propagation and wireless power transfer applications. However, the applied theory of this line that has been established thus far is missing key details of the line's characteristics. Namely, no discussion has been made on the Goubau line's ohmic current distribution or its effective characteristic impedance that would be used in RF/microwave circuit analysis scenarios. Furthermore, the method previously used to solve the waveguide mode is laborious and obsolete when considering current computational methods. In this work, an updated, efficient mode solution process for the Goubau line will be presented, and the current, loss, and characteristic impedance of the line will be discussed. Additionally, all other waveguide parameters such as wave velocity, guide wavelength, propagation constant, etc. will be investigated.