TE11 vs TM11 Mode: Understanding the Difference in Waveguides

This article explains the difference between the TE11 mode and the TM11 mode. Let’s dive into the details!

Cutoff wavelength in a rectangular waveguide is defined by the following formula:

waveguide cutoff wavelength equation

Where:

  • m = number of half-waves along the broad side dimension
  • N = number of half-waves along the shorter side

In a TE11 mode, there exists one half-wave of the electric (E) field in both the broader and shorter dimensions.

difference between TE11 mode and TM11 mode

Conversely, in a TM11 mode, there exists one half-wave of the magnetic (H) field in both the broader and shorter dimensions.