Sorting biological objects with microwave resonant cavities

Abstract

It is shown how microwave resonators can be used as sensors for sorting dielectric objects. Differences in volume or mass can be distinguished among objects of irregular shape but of uniform dielectric properties. Moisture content, or other permittivity-dependent qualities can also be distinguished independent of mass or volume when objects are of uniform shape. Fundamental principles of the shape-independent and size-independent measurements are discussed, and experimental results are given.<>