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Applicability of the Meniscus-Removal Method for Q-Band Liquid Characterization in Semi-Open Waveguide Cell
Michał Kalisiak1, Wojciech Wiatr1, Radosław Papis1
1Institute of Electronic Systems, The Faculty of Electronics and Information Technology, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-665 Warsaw, Poland.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 8, 2023
Summary
We developed a new method to accurately measure liquid properties like permittivity and permeability using broadband transmission-reflection. This technique removes meniscus effects, providing precise characterization of liquids in waveguides.
Area of Science:
- Electromagnetics
- Materials Science
- Measurement Science
Background:
- Characterizing liquid properties is crucial for various applications.
- Traditional waveguide measurements are often complicated by liquid surface distortions like menisci.
- Accurate dielectric property measurement requires precise sample geometry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel broadband transmission-reflection method for accurate liquid characterization.
- To mathematically remove meniscus effects from measurements in a semi-open rectangular waveguide.
- To determine the permittivity, permeability, and height of liquid samples.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing 2-port scattering parameters measured by a calibrated vector network analyzer.
- Employing three measurement states: empty cell, and cell filled with two different liquid levels.
- Implementing a meniscus-removal algorithm for mathematical de-embedding of the liquid sample.
Main Results:
- Successfully validated the method for propan-2-ol (IPA), a 50% aqueous IPA solution, and distilled water.
- Achieved accurate characterization of liquid permittivity and permeability in the Q-band (33-50 GHz).
- Demonstrated the capability to determine the precise height of the liquid sample.
- Investigated and addressed common issues in waveguide measurements, such as phase ambiguity.
Conclusions:
- The broadband transmission-reflection meniscus-removal method provides accurate liquid characterization in waveguides.
- The technique effectively overcomes the challenge of meniscus distortion, enabling precise material property determination.
- This method offers a reliable approach for analyzing liquid samples in the Q-band and potentially other frequencies.
