Submillimeter-wave Resonators for Investigation of the Dynamical Properties of Biological Molecules
Abstract
This project is concerned with the development of a precision measurement technique for determining the complex dielectric constant (or permittivity) of biological molecules in liquids at frequencies below 300 GHz. The development of precise measuring techniques is critical for advancing understanding of the interaction between biological molecules and terahertz (THz) frequency electromagnetic fields. Waveguide cavities have been used to obtain the permittivity of liquids by measurement of the lowest order resonant mode, guaranteeing single-moded operation and thus ease of modeling from fundamental principles. However, due to cavity size scaling with frequency, measurements with the fundamental mode have been limited to below 50 GHz. Recent work has instead investigated the rigorous modeling of over-moded cavities. By the ability to keep the cavity large and easily machineable, such an approach would enable the use of a resonator for acquisition of high precision measurements at higher frequencies. This is the method adopted by this project, and developed for the measurement of liquids. A preliminary measurement setup was created and tested, then used a guide for a new measurement setup. Concurrently the modeling was developed, starting from a closed resonator to the more accurate, yet complex, four-port junction.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 17, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA582662
Entities
People
- Angelique Sklavounos
- N. S. Barker
Organizations
- University of Virginia