This paper reports on a new dielectric liquid sensor that utilizes an RF sparkgap transmitter coupled with an aluminum
microwave resonant cavity. The transmitter is a micromilled polymer transmitter housing with patterned copper
electrodes that generate micro-arcs. This transmitter which operates outside the measured liquid generates a directed
ultrawideband signal which is received by the aluminum waveguide. Absorption resonances in the microwave cavity,
measured with a spectrum analyzer are a function of the liquids' dielectric constant at lower frequencies, as well as from
molecular vibrations/rotations at higher frequencies. In many chemical manufacturing processes, liquids being
manufactured are removed, tested in a lab, and then disposed of, or else they will contaminate the full batch. In beer
brewing, for instance, samples are removed, density tested for alcohol content, then disposed of. Using this sensor, the
chemical process could be continuously monitored by a computerized system without risk of contamination.
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