Chapter 2

Physics of Microwaves
Microwaves are electromagnetic waves with frequencies between 300 MHz and 300 GHz (wavelengths between 1 m
and 1 mm). These frequencies are much lower than visible light but microwave radiation has properties very similar
to those of visible light. We will study some of the properties of microwave radiation that have a direct analog to
visible light. In particular we will look at propagation, polarization, absorption and refraction.
A Gunn oscillator will be our source of microwave radiation. While the power output of the source is relatively low
it is important to use caution while it is in operation. In particular, do not look directly into the horn and do not
disassemble the source. The Gunn oscillator contains a mechanically tuneable oscillator which will emit frequencies
in the range 8.5 - 12.4 GHz. Our oscillator has been configured to provide a fixed frequency of microwave radiation
which will be determined in the following experiments.
To measure the properties of the microwave radiation we will be using an E-field probe. This probe is designed to
measure the component of the microwaves electrical field which is parallel with the probe. The output of the probe
for microwave fields of low power density (which is emitted from the Gunn oscillator) is proportional to the square
of the parallel component Ep of the electric field. The orientation of the probe with respect to the horn of the Gunn
oscillator is important and should be the same for each measurement taken for a particular experiment. The output
of the probe is DC volts with a maximum of 10 V. If the reading is more than this the probe is saturated and will
have to be moved farther from the source to make a reliable measurement.
When performing these experiments one should be careful to avoid flat vertical surfaces near the experimental setup
since reflections from such surfaces can distort the experimental results. Choose the direction of transmission of the
horn antenna such that reflecting surfaces are as far as possible and there are no cables or electronics nearby since
the microwaves can induce voltages in cable loops.

17

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CHAPTER 2. PHYSICS OF MICROWAVES

2.1

Directional Properties of Microwaves

For our first experiment dealing with microwaves we will look at the distribution of the microwave radiation emitted
from the Gunn oscillator through the horn antenna. Basically what we will do is take measurements using the E-field
probe to map out the directional nature of microwaves from our source.

Figure 2.1: The basic configuration of the Gunn oscillator and E-field probe to take measurements of the electric
field of the emitted microwave radiation.
We will setup up the experiment as shown in figure 2.1. We want to align the E-field probe with the horn antenna
so we can make a measurement of the electric field of the emitted microwave radiation.
If we are at a sufficiently large distance our horn antenna can be regarded as a pointlike source. The electric and
magnetic fields oscillate perpendicularly to each other and to the direction of propagation. In this situation, both
fields decrease inversely proportionally to their distance:
EB

1
r

(2.1)

First we will examine the longitudinal field distribution. Put the E-field probe in front of the center of the horn
antenna. Measure the signal from the probe at diering distances up to 1 m.
Next we look at the transverse field distribution. Choose a few points at diering distances from the horn antenna
to take measurements in the transverse direction.
Make sure to take enough measurements to make a meaningful conclusion about the distribution of the microwaves
in front of the horn antenna.
Questions:
1. How should the measured signal from the E-field probe change as a function of its distance from the horn
antenna?
2. Do your measurements reflect such a relation?
3. What type of shape do you measure in the transverse direction?
4. Does the shape depend on the distance from the horn antenna?

2.2.

2.2

ABSORPTION OF MICROWAVES

19

Absorption of Microwaves

When microwaves pass through a medium, they are - like all electromagnetic waves - more or less dampened because
part of the microwave power is absorbed in the medium. The amount absorbed depends on what type of material it
is made of and how thick it is. In this experiment we will examine the absorbing capability of a foam mat that is
both dry and moist.
We will setup up the experiment the same as is shown in figure 2.1 but with a foam mat clamped to a dielectric
plate in between the horn antenna and the E-field probe.
We first need to determine a baseline to use as a comparison. Remove the foam mat and take a measurement with
only the dielectric plate between the horn antenna and probe.
Now we want to see what dierence water makes in the absorption of microwaves. First measure the signal from
the probe with the dry foam mat clamped to the plate. Now take measurements at varying degrees of moistness
for the foam mat. (NOTE: It is important to only moisten the foam mat and not soak it in water. One could take
measurements after a certain number of sprays from a spray bottle for instance.)
Questions:
1. Which is a better absorber of microwave radiation, the dry foam or the wet foam?
2. Does cooking foods (which contain water) by using microwaves make sense? How does this work?

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CHAPTER 2. PHYSICS OF MICROWAVES

2.3

Refraction of Microwaves

Microwaves behave the same as all other waves when they pass from one medium to another, namely they change
directions because they have dierent wave velocities in the media. Snells Law tells us how the wave velocities (and
refractive indices) in the media can be determined by measuring the change in path:
sin1 =

c1
n2
sin2 =
sin2
c2
n1

(2.2)

The subscripts denote which media you are in, the angles are with respect to the normal, c is the wave velocity
and n is the refractive index.
In this experiment we are going to measure the refractive properties of quartz sand using microwaves. We will first
find the refractive index of the sand using a half cylinder filled with sand and will then examine the focusing ability
of a lens made of the quartz sand.

Figure 2.2: The basic configuration of the Gunn oscillator and E-field probe to take measurements of the refraction
of microwaves.
To perform the first part of this experiment we need to position the horn antenna on the curved surface of the quartz
cylinder (refer to figure 2.2). We can find the angle the horn makes with the flat surface of the cylinder using the
mark on the top of the horn and scale on the cylinder. Move the probe along a fixed radius to find the position of
maximum signal. Record the angle of the probe for several angles of the horn antenna.
We now want to determine the focussing eect of a lens made of quartz sand. To make a meaningful comparison we
will compare the transverse profile of the emitted microwave radiation with and without the lens. Diering distances
from the lens to the probe may be useful but in each case be sure to measure the transverse profile with and without
the lens.
Questions:
1. Do your experimental results confirm the relation found in Snells Law?
2. Can you determine the refractive index of the quartz sand?
3. What is the focal length of the quartz sand lens (i.e. how far from the lens is the transverse profile a minimum)?
4. Does this agree with the value determined from the equation for a thin lens:

1
1
1
= (n 1)
+
f
r1
r2
r1 = r2 = 227mm
n = 1.74

(2.3)

2.4.

2.4

POLARIZATION OF MICROWAVES

21

Polarization of Microwaves

In this experiment we will use a polarizer to try and determine if the microwaves emitted from the Gunn oscillator
are polarized and if so, in what direction. The setup for this experiment is the same as the absorption one except
we will have a polarizer between the horn antenna and probe instead of a foam mat.
Start by placing the probe some distance from the horn antenna and record the signal you get. Next the polarizer
should be inserted and measurements should be taken at dierent polarization angles. Be sure to take enough
measurements to make meaningful conclusions about the state of polarization of the oscillator.
Once the first part is complete, turn the Gunn oscillator so that the long side of the horn antenna is vertical (there
is another hole for the metal supporting rod on the side of the oscillator). Repeat the same process used in the first
part of the experiment.
Questions:
1. Are the microwaves coming from the horn antenna polarized? If so, in what direction?
2. Are the distributions symmetric (i.e. are they what you would expect for the situation answered in the previous
question)? If not, can you give an explanation as to why?

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CHAPTER 2. PHYSICS OF MICROWAVES

2.5

Interference of Microwaves

We will now use a general property of waves to determine the frequency (and wavelength) of the microwaves we have
been studying. If we use a barrier that will reflect microwaves we can create a standing wave in the region between
the horn antenna and barrier. A standing wave is just the superposition of an emitted wave and a reflected wave
generated by some reflective surface.
If we have a propagating wave with some frequency f and wavelength
equation:

2
E(x, t) = E0 cos 2f t
x

we can describe its electric field with the

(2.4)

If we position our barrier in such a way that the reflection of the waves occurs at a node we can find the shape of
the amplitude of the standing wave:

2
EA (x, t) = 2E0 sin
x
(2.5)
In this experiment we will position the E-field probe between the horn antenna and a metal plate (which will serve
as our reflective surface). Take measurements at regular intervals so that the wavelength (and frequency) of the
standing waves can be determined using the above relation for the amplitude.
After this, use the probe to find several maxima and minima of the standing waves and determine the wavelength
(and frequency) of the standing waves in this manner.
Questions:
1. Do both methods of determining the wavelength (and frequency) of the microwaves agree?
2. Which method do you think is most accurate?
3. Estimate the error on your frequency measurement and determine how well your measurement agrees with the
actual value of 9.40 GHz.

2.6.

2.6

MICROWAVES IN A WAVEGUIDE

23

Microwaves in a Waveguide

Now we will investigate how microwaves propagate while in a waveguide. In the first part of the experiment we will
determine the wavelength and frequency of the microwaves using a Lecher line. After that we will find out how well
the microwaves propagate through waveguides of dierent shapes and sizes. Finally we will see how a waveguide
aects the polarization of the microwaves.

Figure 2.3: The setup for using the Lecher line.

We will setup the first part of the experiment according to figure 2.3. The microwaves emitted from the horn antenna
create waves along the Lecher line that have the same frequency and wavelength as the microwaves. Since the end
of the wire in the horn antenna is a loop and we short the other end of the wire, standing waves are produced along
the line much like what happened in the previous lab. The oscillating electric field goes from one wire to the other
and produces a voltage across the wires. The oscillating magnetic field is in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the
wires (which the electric field is in) and creates a current in the wires. If we place the E-field probe near the wires
we can measure the electric field created between the two wires. Take measurements in the same manner as the last
lab (i.e. both at regular intervals along the line and finding the minima and maxima).
Now we will use a flexible waveguide to study the propagation of microwaves in waveguides. Start with the E-field
probe about one meter from the horn antenna and record its signal. Place one end of the waveguide just inside the
horn antenna and stretch it in a straight line toward the probe. Record the signal in this configuration. Repeat this
process for several configurations of the probe and waveguide (i.e. with a 90 bend, 180 bend, a circle, variations
in height, etc.). In each configuration use the polarizer to find out what eect the waveguide has on the polarization
of the microwaves.
Lastly we want to determine how the size of a waveguide aects the propagation of the microwaves through it. Use
aluminum foil to make a circular waveguide similar to the flexible one used previously. Vary the diameter of the
waveguide and record the signal in the probe with and without each size waveguide.
Questions:
1. How does the frequency of the microwaves determined by using the Lecher line compare with your previous
measurement of the frequency and the actual value (include an error estimate)?
2. Is there a net current flow in the Lecher line? Why or why not?
3. Is the polarization of the microwaves the same for each configuration of the flexible waveguide? Can you explain
the reason it is or isnt?
4. What aect does the size and configuration of a waveguide have on the transmission of microwaves through it?
Do your experimental results agree with what is expected theoretically?

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2.7

CHAPTER 2. PHYSICS OF MICROWAVES

Bragg Diraction with Microwaves

It is possible to observer Bragg diraction patterns with microwaves if the crystal is appropriately dimensioned.
You will find some steel balls and styrofoam sheets to construct a crystal for this part of the measurement. Design
your crystal based on what you know about x-ray Bragg scattering by scaling lengths. Explain your design choices
and diraction data (see the chapter on X-ray Scattering (Bragg reflection)).