An automated 60 GHz open resonator system for precision dielectric measurements

An automated open resonator system was designed and constructed for precision measurement of the loss tangent and dielectric permittivity of low absorbing materials at 60 GHz. The use of a high-Q hemispherical Fabry-Perot cavity together with highly stabilized synthesized phase-locked Gunn oscillator sources and a superheterodyne receiver made it possible to measure loss tangent values as low as 10 mu rad. Both cavity length variation and frequency variation techniques were utilized to provide precise data.>