Multimode Resonance Chamber and Method of Determining an Equivalent Single Mode Relaxation Response

This invention relates to a microwave pulsed resonance chamber system; and, more particularly, it relates to an improved computer-operated and microwave-pulsed resonance chamber system for obtaining various parameters with or without a specimen in the chamber thereof.

Various types of resonator chambers or resonance systems have been developed in the past for the purpose of obtaining certain results. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,520,602 to Linder discloses a resonator chamber having rapidly variable moding characteristics therein. The species of FIG. 2 is considered pertinent and is generally made up of a resonator cavity, a microwave source, a pair of continuously rotatable conductive vanes at a desired frequency and a detector device for sensing the cavity response. By virtue of the detector having a long time constant and by reason of the rotation of the vanes modifying the chamber electric fields at a rate faster than the detector time constant, the detector provides an analog value which is characteristic of the average microwave energy transfer of the resonator, U.S. Pat. No. 3,581,190 to Brown relates to a microwave resonance system having a bimodal cavity arrangement. The system is generally made up of separate microwave sources, an input/output wave guide, a detector, a resonance chamber of fixed configuration, and a tandem chamber of adjustable configuration for tuning purposes. A specimen is located in the fixed chamber and interacts with the simultaneous resonant frequencies of both sources when the adjustable chamber is properly tuned in relation to a wave source. In an operative embodiment one of the wave sources can be pulse operated rather than a continuous wave U.S. Pat. No. 3,946,308 to Miura et al. discloses a resonance chamber system for measuring relative humidity of a given air sample. The system is generally made up of an open-ended cylindrical shield, separate input/output antennas and a solid dielectric core element. The antennas are connected to the shield in longitudinally aligned and diametrically opposed relationship to each other with the core element interposed therebetween. A swept-frequency oscillator is connected to the input antenna. The output antenna together with its output source transforms the received signal transmitted by the input antenna into a calibrated display that directly indicates the relative density for the air sample enveloped by the shield during system use, U.S. Pat. No. 4,277,741 to Faxvog et al. concerns a microwave acoustic spectrometer for measuring the microwave absorbing characteristics of both dielectric and metal samples. The spectrometer is generally made up of a sealed cavity for receiving a sample. A coaxial conductor transmits a modulated microwave signal at a reference frequency into the cavity. The microphone responds to the heated atmosphere of the cavity as the result of the signal being absorbed by the specimen and provides an output that is transformed into an absorption parameter of the sample at the reference frequency. However, none of the aforediscussed references whether taken alone or in any combination remotely suggest an improved computer-operated and microwave pulsed resonance chamber system for obtaining various parameters in relation to the multimode chamber thereof. The computer-operated system in any embodiment thereof is provided with a detection sample analyzer for initially obtaining a series of data points in relation to time for each transient relaxation response curve after each pulse excitation and selectively tuned condition of the chamber or after each pulse excitation at a particular carrier frequency to alter the multimode characteristics of the chamber. The computer arrangement of the system functions to advantageously determine the ensemble averaged mean squared voltage value from more than one group of selected digitized and squared data points that stem from the analyzed series of data points of more than one response curve. Graphical plotting of the ensemble averaged values in relation to time enables the determination of various parameters such as the equivalent single mode relaxation response time for the multimode chamber as well as the chamber calibration factor (with or without a specimen therein).

An object of the invention is to provide an improved computer-operated and microwave-pulsed resonance chamber system for measuring the relative field strength of the multimode chamber at one point thereof so as to ultimately obtain the equivalent single mode relaxation response time of the chamber.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved computer-operated and microwave-pulsed resonance chamber system that provides a continuously operable and reliable system in obtaining various parameters of the multimode chamber with or without a specimen therein.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved computer-operated and microwave-pulsed resonance chamber system that provides a graphical display of the equivalent single mode relaxation response curve in relation to time of the multimode chamber where such curve enables the determination of both the chamber relaxation time and its calibration factor.

In summary, the invention concerns an improved computer-operated and microwave-pulsed, resonance chamber system having a multimode chamber. The system is provided with antenna means at one point of the chamber interior for transmitting a series of pulses therein so as to cause serial excitation of the chamber. Detection means of the system is provided at a second point in the chamber interior that is spaced from the first point for sensing each transient relaxation response curve after each pulse excitation of the chamber.

In one embodiment of the system, selectively adjustable oscillator means are provided in the microwave source means for controlling the carrier frequency of each pulse transmitted into the chamber interior. By varying the carrier frequency for the series of pulses transmitted into the chamber, the multimode characteristics of the chamber are changed for each pulse frequency; and thus, a different transient relaxation response curve is provided after each pulse excitation of the chamber and at a different carrier frequency than any prior pulse excitation thereof.

In two other embodiments of the system, selectively rotatable tuning means is connected to the chamber and inserted in the chamber interior at a third point spaced from the first and second points for selectively controlling the tuning conditions of the chamber interior for each indexed portion of the tuning means. The tuning means is advantageously comprised of a plurality of radially extending vanes of different configuration. Further, the plurality of vanes of different configuration are randomly arranged about the axis of the tuning means. Hence, by selectively adjusting the tuning means a different set of multimode characteristics is provided for the chamber; and thus, the detection means detects different transient relaxation response curves for each tuned chamber condition and after each pulse excitation of the chamber.

The system is provided with analyzer means for analyzing each response curve as detected by the detection means so as to provide a series of data points in relation to time. In certain embodiments of the system, the analyzing means further functions to square the value of each data point of any series of data points as well as preferably transform the squared value of each data point into digital form. A computer arrangement of the system advantageously functions to determine the ensemble averaged mean squared voltage values in relation to time of a plurality of groups of selected squared data points in digital form of analyzed response curves. Each ensemble averaged mean squared voltage value in being determined from its associated group of selected points occurs at a selected time delay of a plurality of time delays where the selected time delay for the ensemble averaged value corresponds to the same time delay at which each data point of the associated group of data points of analyzed response curves occurs. As the result of determining a plurality of ensemble averaged values at more than one time delay, it has been found that a novel exponential curve is formed from which chamber parameters, namely, the equivalent single mode relaxation response time and the chamber calibration factor are readily determined. If the chamber is used with a specimen, an effective power density surrounding the specimen can be readily determined.

The ensemble averaged mean squared voltage value as used throughout the specification and claims is defined as that value made up from its associated group of selected and squared data points in digital form of analyzed response curves at a selected time delay of a plurality of time delays where the selected time delay for the ensemble averaged value is the same time delay at which each data point of the group of selected data points of analyzed curves occurs.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent when taken in conjunction with the appended drawings and specification.

FIG. 1 is a schematic of an embodiment of an improved computer-operated and microwave pulsed resonance chamber system for evaluating the chamber with a specimen therein.

FIG. 2 is a graphical view of a series of three sample transient relaxation response curves in relation to time where each sample curve illustrates the transient response for a different tuned condition of the chamber.

FIG. 3 is another graphical view of a curve of an ensemble average of a series of transient response curves for different tuned conditions of the chamber in relation to time where the curve assists in determining the equivalent single mode relaxation response for the multimode chamber of the improved system of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view with parts removed and other parts broken away of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of still another embodiment of an improved computer-operated and microwave-pulsed resonance chamber system.

With further reference to FIG. 1, an improved computer-operated and microwave-pulsed resonance chamber system 10 is generally made up of a continuous microwave signal source 12 and a multimode, selectively tunable chamber 14. It is noted here that chamber 14 is of suitable construction so that the chamber interior is shielded from the surrounding environment where system 10 is used. The interior wall liner of chamber 14 can be any suitable ferrous or nonferrous material such as, e.g., iron, copper or aluminum. A power supply 13 energizes source 12 during system use. A pulse transmitting antenna 16 is connected to chamber 14 and inserted at a point in the interior thereof. A modulator 18 is interposed between and connected to antenna 16 and source 12. A pulse generator 20 is also connected to supply 13.

Detection means 22 such as a suitable transient-response receiving antenna is connected to chamber 14 and inserted into the chamber interior at another point relatively spaced from antenna 16 and its insertion point into the chamber interior. Homodyne mixer and gated detection sample analyzer 24 is interposed between and connected to another output of source 12 and the output of detection means 22. An output of time delay generator 26 is connected to mixer and analyzer 24. An output of pulse generator 20 is parallel connected to modulator 18 and generator 26.

A computer 28 having a memory 30 is connected to an output of mixer and analyzer 24. An analog-to-digital converter 32 is series connected to the output between mixer and analyzer 24 and computer 28. The computer is provided with separate outputs for a graphical display 34 and a controller 36. An output 37 of controller 36 is connected to generator 26.

A selectively rotatable tuning element 38 is connected to chamber 14 and inserted at a third point in the chamber interior that is relatively spaced from both antenna 16 and detection means 22 at their inserted first and second relatively spaced points. Element 38 is preferably of paddle-wheel-like configuration and is generally made up of a series of randomly spaced and differently configured radial vanes selectively arranged about the rotary axis of element 38 as shown in FIG. 1. As will become more apparent hereinafter, one of the advantages of element 38 in being made up of a plurality of randomly arranged radial vanes of different configuration is that it assures chamber 14 will have a different set of multimode characteristics for each tuned condition of the chamber during use of system 10. A tuning actuator 40 is interposed between and interconnected to supply 13 and another output 41 of controller 36.

In an operative embodiment of system 10, a specimen 42 is inserted in the chamber interior in spaced relation to antenna 16, detection means 22 and tuning element 38 as shown in FIG. 1. Pulse generator 20 transmits a series of pulses to microwave pulses so to cause the modulator to transmit a series of microwave pulses to antenna 16 for causing continuous pulses excitation of the chamber interior during system use. Detection means 22 senses the relative field strength between successive pulses of the series of pulses. Each sensed relative field strength is representable by a transient relaxation response curve. A series of three transient relaxation response curves 44, 46 and 48 in terms of voltage in relation to time are depicted in FIG. 2. Each curve 44, 46 or 48 is of different shape because it represents a different tuned condition of chamber 14. As each sensed curve is received by mixer and analyzer 24 it is combined with the reference signal from source 12 so as to be in analyzable form such as indicated by curve 44, 46 or 48.

Detection sample analyzer of mixer and analyzer 24 functions to analyze a transient relaxation response curve in relation to time for each tuned condition of chamber 14. To this end, when generator 20 sends a pulse output to modulator 18 for transmitting a pulse to antenna 16, its parallel output also transmits a pulse to generator 26. As result of the pulse to generator 26, its output to analyzer 24 causes analysis of response curve 48 in relation to time, e.g., at time, t.sub.o, and determines data point 50. Data point 50 is converted to digital form by converter 32. At the same time, the digital value of data point 50 is stored by memory 30 of computer 28. Feedback 37 of controller 36 as result of the digitized value of data point 50 directs an output to generator 26. Then generator 26 functions to direct another output to analyzer 24 to determine data point 52 of curve 48 at the next time delay, t.sub.i. Hence, generator 26, analyzer 24, converter 32, computer 28 and controller 36 advantageously coordinate to cause analysis of each response curve for a tuned chamber condition in relation to time so as to determine a series of data points such as the series of points 50, 52, 54, 56, etc. in relation to a plurality of time delays for curve 48 until curve 48 sufficiently approaches or reaches its zero value. For the sake of simplicity, the series of analyzed data points in relation to time for curves 44 and 46 as effected by the analyzer of element 24 is not shown in FIG. 2.

As further evident in FIG. 2, the series of data points 50, 52, 54, 56, etc. occur at equal time intervals caused by the output of generator 26 during system use and as represented by the series of laterally spaced parallel lines 58. Further, the series of time delays as represented by the series of lines 58 can be mathematically expressed by the formula: t.sub.i =t.sub.o +k.DELTA.t where t.sub.i is for any time delay; t.sub.o is the initial time delay; .DELTA.t is the time interval between successive delays; and corresponds to a number relating to the time delay in question such as the sixth (6th) time delay (t.sub.6) after t.sub.o.

When a series of data points in digital form for a curve, such as curve 48, have been stored in memory 30, controller output 41 causes tuning actuator 40 to index element 38 to its next indexed position for tuning chamber 14 to a different set of multimode characteristics prior to the next pulse excitation of chamber 14 by antenna 16. In order to determine a satisfactory equivalent single mode relaxation response for chamber 14 with or without a specimen 42 therein, it has been found that element 38 should be indexed from about fifty to four hundred (50 to 400) different positions about its rotary axis. Thus, at least fifty response curves as analyzed by analyzer 24 and stored as a set of fifty different series of data points in digital form in memory 30 can be sufficient in determining an equivalent single mode relaxation response curve for chamber 14 as will now be described.

The stored set of data points are then further analyzed by computer 28 by each data point of the set being squared. Then a series of ensemble averaged mean squared voltage values of a plurality of groups of squared data points in relation to time is advantageously determined by computer 28. To this end, each group of the plurality relates to a selected series of data points at a selected and common time delay. Further, each one of the data points of the series of data points of a group at a common time delay stems from its associated transient relaxation response curve. Hence, the computer in determining a series of ensemble averaged mean squared voltage values of a plurality of groups of stored data points in relation to time determines a series of ensemble averaged mean squared voltage values such as the series of values 60, 62, 64, 66, etc. in relation to their associated time delays of the plurality of time delays as represented by spaced lines 58 in the manner depicted in FIG. 3.

It has been found in accordance with the teachings of the invention that a series of ensemble averaged mean squared transient response values of a mode-stirred, multimode chamber is exponential with respect to time. By reason of this exponential relationship, a series of ensemble averaged mean squared transient response values is advantageously expressed by the invention in the form of a series of analyzed values or data points 60, 62, 64, 66, etc. as aforedescribed in relation to time where such series of analyzed data points can be fitted to a curve, such as curve 68 in FIG. 3. Further, the curve is mathematically expressed by the formula: N=N.sub.o e.sup.- t.sub.i /.tau. where N is the chamber ensemble averaged transient relaxation response at a given sensed point of the chamber at any time, t.sub.i .multidot.N.sub.o is the chamber transient relaxation response at the given sensed point of chamber 14 when i is zero. e is a commonly known constant value of 2.71.sup.+. t.sub.i is any particular time delay; and .tau. is the equivalent single mode relaxation response time for multimode chamber 14. It is to be understood that .tau. can be determined in various ways, such as, e.g., by least square analysis on a computer or by graphically plotting a series of data points of ensembled averaged mean squared values (logarithmic scale) in relation to time as shown by curve 68 in FIG. 3 and as effected by display 34 of FIG. 1 or by any suitable means. It is noted here that curve 68 was obtained with chamber 14 having specimen 42 therein. Since most specimens analyzed by system 10 have absorption or lossy characteristics, a transient relaxation response curve for chamber 14 without a specimen 42 would normally have longer .tau. values.

Since .tau. is a function of an equivalent single mode chamber, the calibration factor for chamber 14 with or without a specimen therein can be readily determined from the mathematical formula: M=c.tau./V where "C" is the speed of light; and "V" is the chamber interior volume. Then the effective power density of <PD.sub.eff > in the chamber per unit of net input power can be determined from the formula: <PD.sub.eff >=MP.sub.I where P.sub.I is the net input power transmitted into the chamber interior during system use. <PD.sub.eff > is in effect the spatial average of the effective power density for chamber 14.

In another advantageous embodiment of the invention and as shown in FIG. 4, system 10' is generally comprised of a combined arrangement of square law detection sample analyzer and simultaneous analog-to-digital converter 72. The analyzer can be provided with power meter means which is connected to the output of detection means 22. It is noted here that elements in FIG. 1 correspond to like elements. Arrangement 72 functions to analyze each detected transient relaxation response curve for each tuned condition of chamber 14 by providing a series of data points in relation to time as representative of its associated curve, immediately squaring each data point upon detecting and analyzing each curve, and then converting each squared data point into digital form. Parallel output of generator 20 to arrangement 72 indicates when the next detected response curve is to be analyzed. As computer 28 receives a series of digitized data points from arrangement 72 as representative of one detected response curve, controller 36 transmits an ouput to actuator 40 for indexing element 38 to another position to alter chamber 14 to another set of multimode characteristics during system use. When memory 30 stores a sufficient set of more than one series of data points for more than one analyzed curve, computer functions to determine a series of ensemble averaged means squared voltage values of more than one group of selected series of data points in relation to time so as to determine an equivalent single mode relaxation response curve, such as curve 68 depicted in FIG. 3.

In another embodiment as depicted in FIG. 5, system 10" is generally comprised of a continuous and variable microwave source 74 which is provided with a suitable adjustable oscillator. In this instance, chamber 14 is not provided with tuning element 38. When computer 28 receives a series of digitized and squared data points as representative of an analyzed transient relaxation response curve, output 76 of controller is connected to the oscillator of source 74 to change the carrier frequency thereof. Hence, by each change in the pulse carrier frequency, chamber 14 is provided with a different set of multimode characteristics. As with the prior embodiments 10 and 10' of the system, when computer 28 of the system 10" receives a sufficient set of more than one series of stored data points of different analyzed transient relaxation response curves sensed at element 22, computer functions to determine a series of ensemble averaged mean squared voltage values so as to form an equivalent single mode relaxation response curve, such as curve 68 in FIG. 3.

In view of the foregoing it is evident in any embodiment of the invention that it provides continuous and relatively rapid uninterrupted analysis for determining the equivalent single mode relaxation response for a mode-stirred, multimode chamber. As result of this improved analysis by the inventive embodiments, adjustments can be readily made to system 10, 10' or 10" to assure proper analysis of chamber 14 with or without a speciment 42. Adjustments to the system could be, e.g., increased power input to the chamber, alter the characteristics of the internal walls or contents of the chamber or change the geometrical configuration of the chamber.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.