Inductive and capacitive sensor arrays for in situ composition sensors

Advances in electromagnetic sensor design provide the potential for high resolution imaging of subsurface objects and material properties at the microscopic (micrometer) and mesoscopic (meter) scales. With quasi-static, capacitive and inductive sensor arrays, objects are detected, identified, and imaged via their perturbations to the applied electric and magnetic fields, rather than through time delays of reflected electromagnetic waves as in ground penetrating radar. Building on the successful application as nondestructive quality assessment and monitoring tools as well as land mine detectors, several subsurface in situ sensors are enabled by this technology. Examples include: an electronic 3D microscope, enabling examination of cell level structures and composition; examination of near surface structures such as soil moisture, permafrost dynamics, soil properties with depth, root growth carbon sequestration, Martian surface aquifers, and buried deposits of carbon dioxide or methyl hydrides.