This thesis describes the development and evaluation of highly sensitive interferometers for permittivity measurements of biomedical materials. The objective is to engineer a sensor system enabling label-free and contactless characterization of dielectric samples. Initially,various sensing methods are discussed and compared. Subsequently, different approaches serving as read-out circuits suiting the investigated sensors are reviewed. The performance of sensors along with the respective read-out technology are compared to each other leading to the final method of choice: The interferometer is identified to be the best suited technique. It is initially realized on a printed circuit board at microwave frequencies for experimental investigations. The selected strategy to realize an extremely compact sensor that can be integrated into microfluidic systems is scaling. Subsequently, millimeter-wave frequencies are inspected on suitability for permittivity measurements. Finally, the interferometer architecture is scaled to work at 120 GHz and fabricated in a 130 nm BiCMOS process featuring an ft/fmax of 240 GHz/330 GHz. The resulting system includes a 120 GHz voltage-controlled oscillator with a tuning range of 7 GHz. It features a divide-by-64 circuit to enable external phase-locked loop stabilization. Additionally, the final chip set contains high-precision and high-resolution phase shifters based on a slow-wave transmission line approach with digital control to provide direct readout ability. The system enables automated, contactless and label-free permittivity monitoring for biomedical purposes. Hence, it represents a powerful solution for biomedical sensing applications and it provides a platform for future lab-on-chip devices. ; eng

Die vorliegende Arbeit beschreibt die Entwicklung und Evaluierung von hochsensitiven elektrischen Interferometern zur Messung von Permittivität biomedizinischer Materialien. Das Ziel ist die Implementierung eines dielektrischen Sensors, welcher kontaktlose Messungen biomedizinischer Proben ohne den Einsatz optischer Marker ermöglicht. Dazu werden zunächst verschiedene Sensormethoden untersucht. Im Anschluss wird das Zusammenspiel unterschiedlicher Ausleseschaltungen mit der jeweiligen Sensorik behandelt, so dass die finale Strategie für eine optimale Messmethode bestimmt werden kann. Das elektrische Interferometer erweist sich dabei als am besten geeignet und wird daher zunächst auf einer Leiterkarte im Mikrowellenfrequenzbereich realisiert. Die gewählte Strategie zur Miniaturisierung des Sensors für die Integration in mikrofluidische Aufbauten ist Skalierung. Der Einsatz hoher Frequenzen ermöglicht eine Verkleinerung der Schaltungskomponenten, so dass Sensor- und Probendimensionen vergleichbar sind. Es wird ein Millimeterwelleninterferometer als integrierter Schaltkreis für den Betrieb bei 120 GHz entwickelt. Die genutzte Technologie basiert auf einem 130 nm BiCMOS Prozess mit einer ft/fmax-Charakteristik von 240 GHz/330 GHz. Der finale Chip enthält einen spannungsgesteuerten 120 GHz Oszillator mit einem Durchstimmbereich von 7 GHz. Ein Frequenzteiler mit einer Teilerrate von 64 erzeugt Ausgangssignale für den Betrieb mit einem externen Phasenregelkreis. Zusätzlich enthält der finale Chip digital gesteuerte Phasenschieber, die auf dem Konzept eines Slow-Wave-Wellenleiters basieren. Das System ermöglicht automatisierte und kontaktlose Überwachung der Permittivität von biomedizinischen Proben. Der Sensor-Chip ist somit ein leistungsfähiges Instrument für biomedizinische Messanwendungen und Lab-on-Chip Systeme. - This thesis describes the development and evaluation of highly sensitive interferometers for permittivity measurements of biomedical materials. The objective is to engineer a sensor system enabling label-free and contactless characterization of dielectric samples. Initially, various sensing methods are discussed and compared. Subsequently, different approaches serving as read-out circuits suiting the investigated sensors are reviewed. The performance of sensors along with the respective read-out technology are compared to each other leading to the final method of choice: The interferometer is identified to be the best suited technique. It is initially realized on a printed circuit board at microwave frequencies for experimental investigations. The selected strategy to realize an extremely compact sensor that can be integrated into microfluidic systems is scaling. Subsequently, millimeter-wave frequencies are inspected on suitability for permittivity measurements. Finally, the interferometer architecture is scaled to work at 120 GHz and fabricated in a 130 nm BiCMOS process featuring an ft/fmax of 240 GHz/330 GHz. The resulting system includes a 120 GHz voltage-controlled oscillator with a tuning range of 7 GHz. It features a divide-by-64 circuit to enable external phase-locked loop stabilization. Additionally, the final chip set contains high-precision and high-resolution phase shifters based on a slow-wave transmission line approach with digital control to provide direct readout ability. The system enables automated, contactless and label-free permittivity monitoring for biomedical purposes. Hence, it represents a powerful solution for biomedical sensing applications and it provides a platform for future lab-on-chip devices.

Electromagnetic moisture measurement technologies have proven to be valuable tools in diverse applications. This monograph covers basic aspects of nondestructive electromagnetic methods of water content determination and relates to the associated highly multidisciplinary field of research and development. It also presents a comprehensive selection of relevant field-tested methods and instruments. The fundamentals of electromagnetic field interactions with dipolar materials are briefly discussed, with special attention towards the dielectric properties of water and aqueous solutions. A tutorial and overview of electromagnetic measurement methods is presented, including dielectric spectroscopy in broad frequency and time domains, as well as dielectric imaging techniques. This review is complemented by a demonstration of successful real-world implementations for the moisture determination of soils, snow, buildings and building materials, food and agricultural goods, as well as various industrial products. The text is completed by a guide concerning the use of reference liquids for the calibration of sensors and instrumentation and by a bibliography of more than 850 references. The monograph is useful as a reference book for researchers and engineers and as a textbook for upper-level students interested in the water content determination of materials.

The book is devoted to the description of the fundamentals in the area of magnetic resonance. The book covers two domains: radiospectroscopy and quantum radioelectronics. Radiospectroscopy comprises nuclear magnetic resonance , electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear quadrupolar resonance, and some other phenomena. The radiospectroscopic methods are widely used for obtaining the information on internal (nano, micro and macro) structure of objects. Quantum radioelectronics, which was developed on the basis of radiospectroscopic methods, deals with processes in quantum amplifiers, generators and magnetometers. We do not know analogues of the book presented. The book implies a few levels of the general consideration of phenomena, that can be useful for different groups of readers (students, PhD students, scientists from other scientific branches: physics, chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, biology and medicine).

Seven years have passed since the publication of the previous edition of this book. During that time, sensor technologies have made a remarkable leap forward. The sensitivity of the sensors became higher, the dimensions became smaller, the sel- tivity became better, and the prices became lower. What have not changed are the fundamental principles of the sensor design. They are still governed by the laws of Nature. Arguably one of the greatest geniuses who ever lived, Leonardo Da Vinci, had his own peculiar way of praying. He was saying, “Oh Lord, thanks for Thou do not violate your own laws. ” It is comforting indeed that the laws of Nature do not change as time goes by; it is just our appreciation of them that is being re?ned. Thus, this new edition examines the same good old laws of Nature that are employed in the designs of various sensors. This has not changed much since the previous edition. Yet, the sections that describe the practical designs are revised substantially. Recent ideas and developments have been added, and less important and nonessential designs were dropped. Probably the most dramatic recent progress in the sensor technologies relates to wide use of MEMS and MEOMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems and micro-electro-opto-mechanical systems). These are examined in this new edition with greater detail. This book is about devices commonly called sensors. The invention of a - croprocessor has brought highly sophisticated instruments into our everyday lives.

This book presents the theory of quantum effects used in metrology and results of the author’s own research in the field of quantum electronics. The book provides also quantum measurement standards used in many branches of metrology for electrical quantities, mass, length, time and frequency. This book represents the first comprehensive survey of quantum metrology problems. As a scientific survey, it propagates a new approach to metrology with more emphasis on its connection with physics. This is of importance for the constantly developing technologies and nanotechnologies in particular. Providing a presentation of practical applications of the effects used in quantum metrology for the construction of quantum standards and sensitive electronic components, the book is useful for a wide audience of physicists and metrologists in the broad sense of both terms. In 2014 a new system of units, the so called Quantum SI, is introduced. This book helps to understand and approve the new system to both technology and academic community.

Textbook designed for an advanced undergraduate course in industrial applications of microwaves. Provides knowledge about the possibilities of the microwave technique in implementing practical measurement sensors. Knowledge of the fundamentals of physics and electronics is assumed. Annotation copyri