Mineral Detection by Microwave Microscopy (Sensors, 2022)

Take a look at our new development for the characterization of rocks published in the paper ‘High-Resolution Detection of Rock-Forming Minerals by Permittivity Measurements with a Near-Field Scanning Microwave Microscope,’ available since January 2022 in Sensors.

Our research introduces a portable near-field scanning microwave microscope (NSMM) that allows non-invasive and non-contact measurements of the permittivity maps of rocks, which is probably the most relevant parameter needed to develop more efficient, fast, and eco-friendly microwave-based processes in the rock industry.

This method facilitates the identification and dielectric characterization of minerals in their natural state within rocks and provides their absorption capabilities, which are directly related to the expected heating patterns within a microwave reactor.

This research is attributed to the collaborative efforts of the INNCEINNMAT company and the microwave division of the research Institute ITACA from Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV).