Surface acoustic wave devices for measuring water content in snow
Abstract
Flood modeling programs rely heavily on headwater source data, such as snow water equiva- lence (SWE), to warn residents to evacuate and farmers to harvest. Harmonic transponders, which do not require a power source, are one solution for long-term measurement of SWE in the field. This work investigates the design of harmonic transponders using surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices to excite high-frequency signals from below the snowpack. Water will have a significant effect on frequencies in the low GHz range. Varying the substrate’s crys- tal cut angle and electrode configuration allows for the excitation of the necessary output frequency without submicron lithography.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Appala Raju Badireddy
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
Program/Major
Electrical Engineering
Primary Research Category
Engineering and Math Science
Surface acoustic wave devices for measuring water content in snow
Flood modeling programs rely heavily on headwater source data, such as snow water equiva- lence (SWE), to warn residents to evacuate and farmers to harvest. Harmonic transponders, which do not require a power source, are one solution for long-term measurement of SWE in the field. This work investigates the design of harmonic transponders using surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices to excite high-frequency signals from below the snowpack. Water will have a significant effect on frequencies in the low GHz range. Varying the substrate’s crys- tal cut angle and electrode configuration allows for the excitation of the necessary output frequency without submicron lithography.
