A Sensitive Method for Measuring Complex Permittivity with a Microwave Resonator

The proposed method was carried out to make easier dielectric studies em powders under controlled pressure when the frequency varies. A TE/sub 01n/-mode resonator is needed. The substance under test is contained in a tube of quartz, placed along the axis of a cylindrical cavity. The mathematical formulation for the complex permittivity is given in rigorously accounting for the presence of the tube. Typical ditticulties are discussed, and experimental results given. The absolute precision of the measurement can be compared with that of the classicrd method (/spl plusmn/2 percent for /spl epsi/' and /spl plusmn/ 10 percent for /spl epsi/''). The greatest error arises from an insufficiently precise determination of the geometrical and electrical characteristics of the quartz tube. This error is systematic, and thus it is possible to demonstrate the very small permittivity variations (/spl plusmn/ 0.3 percent for /spl epsi/' and /spl plusmn/ 5 percent for /spl epsi/'').