Snow Microwave Complex Permittivity Measured with Resonator Sensors

Microwave coaxial resonator sensors are used to retrieve snow complex dielectric permittivity ε
_S
= ε
_S
i·ε
_S
from sensors frequency response. In addition to the conventional analytical approach, electromagnetic simulation software HFSS is used to devise a unified ε
_S
retrieval approach applicable to all resonator sensors based on the simulation of their frequency response. ε
_S
retrievals are performed using sensor measurements, conducted with a portable Vector Network Analyzer (VNA), in Davos-Laret Remote Sensing Field Laboratory and six locations over the Greenland ice sheet. Results indicate improved ε
_S
retrieval accuracy achieved using the simulation-based approach. The use of VNA technology together with the simulation-based ε
_S
retrieval approach allows for more reliable electromagnetic characterization of snow cover over large areas, which is of critical importance for remote sensing applications.