Dielectric Measurements of Sheet Materials

A simple method of determining the dielectric constant of sheet materials is described. For lossless and low-loss materials, the dielectric constant may be evaluated by a simple measurement of the guide wavelength in the presence of the dielectric. Since the latter measurement can be made accurately using simple standard equipment, the method gives good results. For medium or high-loss materials, it is necessary to measure the attenuation as well and solve a transcendental equation. However, the simplicity and the greater accuracy possible in the physical measurements make this method more accurate than previous methods.