Free-space measurement of bi-axial anisotropic materials
This paper presents an extension of the free-space method for measurement of bi-axial anisotropic material at microwave frequencies. In this method, four complex transverse constitutive parameters are directly computed from the reflection and transmission coefficients of a planar sample in free space for a normally incident plane wave with two polarizations. By using the measured amplitudes of the reflection and transmission coefficients of a planar sample at six incident angles with two polarizations, two complex longitudinal constitutive parameters are obtained by finding the solution to minimize the properly designed objective function under the suitable judging criterion. The numerical trials are carried out for a high-loss material by joining random errors to simulate the real measurement condition, which verifies the validity of this method.
A free-space method for measurement of dielectric constants and loss tangents at microwave frequencies
For measurements of dielectric properties of planar slabs of ceramic and composite materials, the authors have developed a free-space measurement system in the frequency range of 14.5-17.5 GHz. The key components of the measurement system are a pair of spot-focusing horn lens antennas, a network analyzer, and a computer. Because of the far-field focusing ability of horn lens antennas, the free-space measurements can be made at microwave frequencies in a relatively compact and simple measurement setup. The time-domain gating feature of the network analyzer and the thru, reflect, and line calibration technique were used to eliminate the effects of undesirable multiple reflections. The dielectric constants and loss tangents were measured for standard materials such as fused quartz, Teflon, and polyvinylchloride (PVC). Dielectric properties for Teflon and PVC were also measured in a waveguide medium for purposes of comparison with the free-space method. >
New Low-Profile Applicators for Local Heating of Tissues
A new type of low-profile applicator is described giving efficient power transfer to tissue with low leakage. It consists of a resonant element spaced from a ground plane by low-loss material having high relative permittivity and some relative permeability. This combination is covered by similar material which can be placed in direct contact with the tissue to be heated, or separated from it by a water bolus as required. Laboratory measurements using phantom materials show that these applicators are well matched and produce well defined and relatively uniform heating profiles. Applicators having maximum dimensions of 3-15 cm covering the frequency range 1000-100 MHz, respectively, are described. Penetration depths of at least 4 cm at 100-200 MHz are achieved. Tests on anesthetised pigs and some clinical assessment have confirmed the usefulness of this compact low-frequency type of applicator and have shown that performance compares favorably with that of other recently reported types. The design can be optimized for treatment of specific sites, and suitable choice of dimensions and electrical characteristics of the layer material allow the low-profile concept to be extended over a wide range of operating frequencies.