The lower cutoff frequency (or wavelength) for a particular mode in rectangular waveguide is determined

by the following equations:

(Hz)

(m)

where a= b= m= n= = =

Inside width Inside height Number of -wavelength variations of fields in the "a" direction Number of -wavelength variations of fields in the "b" direction Permittivity Permeability
TE (Transverse Electric) Mode

The TE10 mode is the dominant mode of a rectangular waveguide with a>b, since it has the lowest attenuation of all modes. Either m or n can be zero, but not both.

End View (TE10)

Side View (TE10)

Top View (TE10) ____ Electric field lines _ _ _ Magnetic field lines
TM (Transverse Magnetic) Mode

For TM modes, m=0 and n=0 are not possible, thus, TM11 is the lowest possible TM mode.

End View (TM11)

Side View (TM11) ____ Electric field lines _ _ _ Magnetic field lines
Circular Waveguide

Click here for a table of TE and TM mode field equations for circular waveguides.
TE (Transverse Electric) Mode

The lower cutoff frequency (or wavelength) for a particular TE mode in circular waveguide is determined by the following equation:
m p'm1

(m), where p'mn is

p'm2 p'm3

0 1 2

3.832 1.841 3.054

7.016 5.331 6.706

10.174 8.536 9.970

TM (Transverse Magnetic) Mode

The lower cutoff frequency (or wavelength) for a particular TM mode in circular waveguide is determined by the following equation:
m pm1

(m), where pmn is

pm2 pm3

0 1 2

2.405 3.832 5.135

5.520 7.016 8.417

8.654 10.174 11.620