Microwave Sensitivity Maximization of Disbond Characterization in Conductor Backed Dielectric Composites

A swept frequency microwave nondestructive technique for detection of disbond in a dielectric composite backed by a conducting plate is discussed. The theoretical development is based on an incident plane wave illuminating such a medium, and then formulating the characteristics of the reflected wave. This way the effective reflection coefficient of the medium is found. The phase of this reflection coefficient changes in the presence of a disbonded medium. with the determination of an optimally sensitive frequency range using the theoretical model and the known properties of the composite dielectric material, it is shown that disbonds on the order of a few microns can be accurately detected at relatively low microwave frequencies. Several experimental results are also presented