Planar Microwave Sensors

Comprehensive resource detailing the latest advances in microwave and wireless sensors implemented in planar technology Planar Microwave Sensors is an authoritative resource on the subject, discussing the main relevant sensing strategies, working principles, and applications on the basis of the authors’ own experience and background, while also highlighting the most relevant contributions to the topic reported by international research groups. The authors provide an overview of planar microwave sensors grouped by chapters according to their working principle. In each chapter, the working principle is explained in detail and the specific sensor design strategies are discussed, including validation examples at both simulation and experimental level. The most suited applications in each case are also reported. The necessary theory and analysis for sensor design are further provided, with special emphasis on performance improvement (i.e., sensitivity and resolution optimization, dynamic range, etc.). Lastly, the work covers a number of applications, from material characterization to biosensing, including motion control sensors, microfluidic sensors, industrial sensors, and more. Sample topics covered in the work include: Non-resonant and resonant sensors, reflective-mode and transmission-mode sensors, single-ended and differential sensors, and contact and contactless sensors Design guidelines for sensor performance optimization and analytical methods to retrieve the variables of interest from the measured sensor responses Radiofrequency identification (RFID) sensor types, prospective applications, and materials/technologies towards “green sensors” implementation Comparisons between different technologies for sensing and the advantages and limitations of microwave sensors, particularly planar sensors Engineers and qualified professionals involved in sensor technologies, along with undergraduate and graduate students in related programs of study, can harness the valuable information inside Planar Microwave Sensors to gain complete foundational knowledge on the subject and stay up to date on the latest research and developments in the field.

Comprehensive resource detailing the latest advances in microwave and wireless sensors implemented in planar technology Planar Microwave Sensors is an authoritative resource on the subject, discussing the main relevant sensing strategies, working principles, and applications on the basis of the authors’ own experience and background, while also highlighting the most relevant contributions to the topic reported by international research groups. The authors provide an overview of planar microwave sensors grouped by chapters according to their working principle. In each chapter, the working principle is explained in detail and the specific sensor design strategies are discussed, including validation examples at both simulation and experimental level. The most suited applications in each case are also reported. The necessary theory and analysis for sensor design are further provided, with special emphasis on performance improvement (i.e., sensitivity and resolution optimization, dynamic range, etc.). Lastly, the work covers a number of applications, from material characterization to biosensing, including motion control sensors, microfluidic sensors, industrial sensors, and more. Sample topics covered in the work include: Non-resonant and resonant sensors, reflective-mode and transmission-mode sensors, single-ended and differential sensors, and contact and contactless sensors Design guidelines for sensor performance optimization and analytical methods to retrieve the variables of interest from the measured sensor responses Radiofrequency identification (RFID) sensor types, prospective applications, and materials/technologies towards “green sensors” implementation Comparisons between different technologies for sensing and the advantages and limitations of microwave sensors, particularly planar sensors Engineers and qualified professionals involved in sensor technologies, along with undergraduate and graduate students in related programs of study, can harness the valuable information inside Planar Microwave Sensors to gain complete foundational knowledge on the subject and stay up to date on the latest research and developments in the field.

Measurement is a multidisciplinary experimental science. Measurement systems synergistically blend science, engineering and statistical methods to provide fundamental data for research, design and development, control of processes and operations, and facilitate safe and economic performance of systems. In recent years, measuring techniques have expanded rapidly and gained maturity, through extensive research activities and hardware advancements. With individual chapters authored by eminent professionals in their respective topics, Applied Measurement Systems attempts to provide a comprehensive presentation and in-depth guidance on some of the key applied and advanced topics in measurements for scientists, engineers and educators.

This book presents an innovative concept for the realization of sensors based on a planar metamaterial microwave array and shows their application in biomedical analysis and treatment. The sensors are able to transduce the dielectric properties of materials in their direct vicinity into an electric signal. The specific array organization permits a simultaneous analysis of several materials using a single readout signal or a relative characterization of one material where information about its spatial distribution can be extracted. Two applications of the designed sensors are described here: the first is a cytological screening using micro fluidic technology, which shows that the sensors may be integrated into lab-on-chip technologies; the second application regards the use of the sensor in both the analysis and treatment of organic tissues. The developed sensor is able not only to screen the tissues for abnormalities, but also, by changing the applied signals, to perform thermal ablation and treat the abnormalities in a highly focused way. Thus, the research described in this book represents a considerable advancement in the field of biomedical microwave sensing.

This book offers a comprehensive and timely review of planar microwave sensors based on coupled structures. Gathering chapters contributed by the most authoritative researchers on this topic, it presents various strategies for sensor performance optimization using coupled lines, directional couplers, and coupled resonators (either distributed or semi-lumped), focusing mainly on sensitivity optimization, and covering chains of coupled resonators as well. The book also reports on analytical methods, design formulas, sensor validation tests, with both simulation and experimental methods, describing some relevant practical applications. Mainly reflecting the research activity carried out by the different contributors in the last years, this book also includes two introductory chapters to help readers who are not very familiar with microwave sensing technologies and coupled structures. All in all, this book addresses advanced graduate students and researchers involved in microwave and sensor technologies, and may be of interest for engineers and professionals as well, working in areas as diverse as wireless sensors and sensor networks, biosensing, chemical sensing, motion control, microfluidics, Internet of Things (IoT), and smart systems.

Modern wireless communications hardware is underpinned by RF and microwave design techniques. This insightful book contains a wealth of circuit layouts, design tips, and practical measurement techniques for building and testing practical gigahertz systems. The book covers everything you need to know to design, build, and test a high-frequency circuit. Microstrip components are discussed, including tricks for extracting good performance from cheap materials. Connectors and cables are also described, as are discrete passive components, antennas, low-noise amplifiers, oscillators, and frequency synthesizers. Practical measurement techniques are presented in detail, including the use of network analyzers, sampling oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and noise figure meters. Throughout the focus is practical, and many worked examples and design projects are included. There is also a CD-ROM that contains a variety of design and analysis programs. The book is packed with indispensable information for students taking courses on RF or microwave circuits and for practising engineers.

The book highlights the research contributions of the interdigitated (IDT) sensors over a period of two decades in the field of sensing technology. It presents theory, design, and practical realization of the IDT sensors working over wide frequency rage for scientific, industrial, and consumer applications. The IDT sensors have been widely investigated for wide range of sensing applications including agriculture, environmental monitoring, structural health monitoring, health care, food and beverage testing, testing of dielectric material, proximity sensing, microfluidic application, automatic dispensing system etc. Hence, importance of IDT sensors is growing continuously for future applications. As such, it offers a key reference guide on IDT sensors for students, applied physicists, material scientists, engineers, sensors designers and technicians.