Measurement System and Methods of Measuring a Reflection Coefficient

The dielectric properties, of materials (their ability to store electric energy in an electric field) are pertinent to many fields of research, including radar component and antenna design, pharmaceutical processing, and determination of moisture contents in foodstuffs and other materials. Future generations of advanced imaging technology (AIT) systems used for screening people for contraband are expected to distinguish threats from benign objects via their dielectric properties. To be of value, the systems require an accurate measurement of these properties.

Researchers at the Transportation Security Laboratory have invented the Measurement System and Methods of Measuring a Reflection Coefficient (MSMMRC) to address challenges with the setup and calibration of an apparatus to perform dielectric measurements. The innovation provides improved reflection data in the gigahertz frequency range, using a free-space measurement technique while also improving measurement dynamic range. These innovations can be incorporated into a commercialized measurement system.

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