Comparative Study of Dielectric Properties Measuring Techniques

Measurement of Complex Permittivity (ε* = ε´ - i ε´´) of dielectric materials have been of substantial importance for researchers for many years. The Complex Permittivity of materials describes the behavior of a material when subjected to radio-frequency (RF) or electromagnetic fields. The attenuation and phase shift of electromagnetic waves at microwave frequency depends upon the permittivity of the material at that frequency. Complex permittivity has two parts; Dielectric Constant and Dielectric Loss, and is one of the important parameter necessary for the characterization of a material at microwave frequencies. Characterization of material is most important for its proper selection and implementation when used in the industrial, scientific and medical applications. In addition to these application areas, measurement of complex permittivity has found key role in recent microwave and radar tracking systems, optical and wireless communication systems. This article presents the comparison analysis of commonly used measurement techniques to determinate their electromagnetic properties.