Minerals identification and characterization using a new 3D printed composite- structured split ring resonator microwave sensor
Abstract The identification of minerals is crucial for optimizing economic and environmental strategies worldwide. This study presents a novel approach to mineral identification and characterization using microwave sensing technology. The method is specifically designed to identify and characterize...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Springer
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Discover Applied Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-025-07286-6 |
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| Summary: | Abstract The identification of minerals is crucial for optimizing economic and environmental strategies worldwide. This study presents a novel approach to mineral identification and characterization using microwave sensing technology. The method is specifically designed to identify and characterize copper, chromite, and limestone within Oman’s geological landscape. A 3D-printed, composite-structured Split-Ring Resonator (SRR) Microwave Sensor (MW-sensor) is developed and validated. The sensor, constructed on a 40 mm × 100 mm Roger5880 substrate, incorporates a square-shaped SRR structure positioned between two hexagonal-shaped SRR structures. The sensor is offered multi-resonating points at the frequency (2 GHz, 4.5 GHz and 5.2 GHz) over a wide frequency range 2–10 GHz. The fabricated prototype demonstrated strong alignment with simulation studies. Experiments were conducted on both ideal and mining samples, revealing high sensitivity for copper (75.9%), chromite (75%), and limestone (77.44%). The SRR structures of the sensor exhibit a strong electric-field distribution, which is significantly influenced by the sample being tested. Correlation analysis of reflection results indicated a close match between ideal and mining samples, with maximum correlation coefficients of 0.857 for copper and 0.695 for chromite at 20% Wt./Vol., and 0.792 for limestone at 10% Wt./Vol. These results underscore the potential of the proposed MW-sensor as a cost-effective alternative to existing mineral detection technologies. |
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| ISSN: | 3004-9261 |