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A material medium that confines and guides a propagating electromagnetic wave. (188) Note 1: In the microwave regime, a waveguide normally consists of a hollow metallic conductor, usually rectangular, elliptical, or circular in cross section. This type of waveguide may, under certain conditions, contain a solid or gaseous dielectric material. Note 2: In the optical regime, a waveguide used as a long transmission line consists of a solid dielectric filament (optical fiber), usually circular in cross section. In integrated optical circuits an optical waveguide may consist of a thin dielectric film. Note 3: In the rf regime, ionized layers of the stratosphere and refractive surfaces of the troposphere may also act as a waveguide.