142 research outputs found
Electromagnetic propagation features of ground-penetrating radars for the exploration of Martian subsurface
In this work, the effects of magnetic inclusions in a Mars-like soil are considered with reference to
the electromagnetic propagation features of ground-penetrating radars (GPRs). Low-frequency and
time-domain techniques, using L-C-R meters and TDR instruments, respectively, are implemented
in laboratory experimental set-ups in order to evaluate complex permittivity and permeability and
wave velocity for different scenarios of a dielectric background medium (silica) with magnetic
inclusions (magnetite). Attenuation and maximum detection ranges have also been evaluated by taking
into account a realistic GPR environment, which includes the transmitting/receiving antenna
performance and the complex structure of the subsurface. The analysis and the interpretation of
these results shed new light on the significant influence of magnetic inclusions on the performance
of Martian orbiting and rover-driven GPRs.Published5-11reserve
Time domain reflectrometry: Calibration techniques for accurate measurement of the dielectric properties of various materials
In this work, an extensive theoretical and experimental analysis has been carried out on the main factors that affect the accurate evaluation of dielectric properties using time domain reflectometry (TDR). Dielectric constant measurements have been performed under different experimental conditions for various types of materials having a wide range of permittivity values. Interpretation of the results on the basis of the transmission-line theory emphasizes the importance of a suitable
calibration procedure that takes into account several critical aspects, some of which seem to have been disregarded or underestimated in the literature. Qualitative and quantitative information is given on the kind of corrections needed in order to significantly improve the reliability of the TDR technique for permittivity measurements
- …