Hello,

I don't know what the dielectric properties of these substances are but I could measure them if you had samples. My measurement system runs from 500MHz to 40GHz. We could then decide on accurate surrogates.

Best regards,

Clive

Hi Clive,

many thanks for responding on the question. Actually i dont have any samples, which is one reason i was trying to figure the signatures out, then i could propose to develop a simulant, which would make measurement for in-situ trials a lot easier.

I'm curious, with what instrument and how would you measure these substances anyway?

best wishes,

Neil

Hi Neil,

I would use a coaxial probe which I developed myself - details here:

http://www.whitehorseradar.co.uk/index.php/products/coaxial-dielectric-probe

I could use other methods at spot frequencies but given the wideband solution you require I think this probe would be best. It interfaces with a VNA that has a time domain option, which I don't have but I do have access to one (or maybe you have one).

I have used this system to assess the dielectric properties of phantom materials that

mimic human tissues for the radar detection of breast tumors. I have a background in radar and dielectric measurements, specialising in human tissues at high microwave/mmW frequencies. I am based in the UK, as you will see from my company website in the link above.

Best wishes,

Clive

Hi again Neil,

I am currently working abroad but am just about to travel home. It may take a couple of days before I can answer any further messages.

Clive

Hi Clive,

that looks like a really neat piece of kit. I'll consider perhaps using it. In the meantime i'm absolutely amazed that there is so little documentation on signatures in the lower frequency part of the millimetre wave abd of illicit drugs. This deficit certainly needs to be corrected.

best wishes, Neil

This work would have the potential to produce an extremely useful research paper. New data of this type would be highly referenced by others. Food for thought...