Fin line circuit for detecting R.F. wave signals

Claim 1

A fin line apparatus within a waveguide having substantially parallel top and bottom walls, and two substantially parallel sidewalls substantially perpendicular to said top and bottom walls, for supporting propagation therein of electromagnetic waves having a predetermined wavelength and for providing signals responsive to said electromagnetic waves, comprising: a dielectric material, disposed in a plane between and substantially parallel to said two sidewalls of said waveguide; a first metallic film conductor having a thickness that is a fraction of said wavelength, disposed substantially parallel to said sidewalls on a first planar surface of said dielectric material so that the area of said first planar surface not covered by said first metallic film conductor comprises a first region having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of said waveguide, said first region having a first end, and a second end having a flare, said area further comprising a second region having a first end opening into said first region between said flare and said first end of said first region, and having a second end disposed proximate the plane in which said top wall of said waveguide is disposed; a second metallic film conductor, disposed substantially parallel to said sidewalls on a second planar surface of said dielectric material opposite said first metallic film conductor, in substantial alignment with said first metallic film conductor and said second region; and means, disposed substantially in said second region, for receiving electromagnetic waves from said first region and for providing output signals therefrom.