Reflective-mode phase-variation submersible sensor for liquid characterization

A one-port reflective-mode microwave submersible sensor based on an open-ended step-impedance microstrip line configuration, operating at a single frequency, useful for the dielectric characterization of liquids and the measurement of liquid composition in binary mixtures, is proposed in this articl...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Su, Lijuan|||0000-0002-4753-9340, Vélez, Paris|||0000-0001-6502-5987, Casacuberta, Pau|||0000-0002-2658-2200, Muñoz Enano, Jonathan|||0000-0003-1271-3801, Gil Barba, Marta|||0000-0002-1106-5059, Martín, Ferran|||0000-0002-1494-9167
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2023
País:España
Institución:Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Repositorio:Dipòsit Digital de Documents de la UAB
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:ddd.uab.cat:283334
Acceso en línea:https://ddd.uab.cat/record/283334
https://dx.doi.org/urn:doi:10.1109/TIM.2023.3308228
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Absorption
Dielectric characterization of liquids
Microstrip technology
Microwave sensors
Permittivity measurement
Phase-variation sensor
Reflective-mode sensor
Submersible sensor
Descripción
Sumario:A one-port reflective-mode microwave submersible sensor based on an open-ended step-impedance microstrip line configuration, operating at a single frequency, useful for the dielectric characterization of liquids and the measurement of liquid composition in binary mixtures, is proposed in this article. The sensor constitutes two parts, namely, the microwave module, including the sensitive region, and a 3-D-printed case (made of polylactic acid-PLA), necessary for sealing, thus preventing from any liquid leakage to the nonsensing regions of the microwave module. To enhance the sensitivity, the open-ended line Section of the microwave module, i.e., the sensing region in contact with the liquid under test (LUT), is a quarter wavelength microstrip line with high impedance. Thus, the phase of the reflection coefficient is the output variable, highly dependent on the input variable-the dielectric constant of the LUT placed directly above the sensing region. In order to validate the sensing structure, a prototype device has been designed and fabricated. The average sensitivity to variations in the concentration of ethanol in solutions of deionized (DI) water is 1.22°/%, and sensor resolution is 2%. The fabricated sensor is resistant to liquid leakage, and therefore, it can be completely submerged for measuring purposes, acting as an effective measuring probe.