Ml ROWAVE SPECTROMETER

Different spectroscopists designed different spectrometers using various types of

microwave cornponents. However, based on the functions of a spectrometer the following
pans are needed: (i) source (ii) measurement of frequency (iii) guidance of the radiation to
the absorbing substance (iv) sample cell (v) detector. A schematic representation of a
microwave spectrometer is shown in Figure 6.12.
Sample cell
To vacuum r -- Stark electrode
pump
Mica Mica Crystal
window I I window 2 / detector

Klystron

Pre-
amplifier
Klystron
power supply
Squarewave Loek in
modulator ampljfier

Oscilloscope
or
recorder

Cross-sectional view of
stark cell
Figure 6.12 Schematic representation of a microwave spectrometer.t

Source: Most of the spectrometershave in the past used klystrons which emits monochro-
matic microwave radiation can be varied
echanically over a wide range a small range. In place of klystron, back-)
be an e of frequencies
can aso e use owever, to they ave to
frequency sweep oscillator. In recent times, Gunn diodes are used extensively as they need
 166 Molecular Structure and Spectroscopy

only 20 V input power compared to the 300-4,000 V re uired for- klystron and backward
wave%iTäFTfié? can be tuned mec anically over the whole ranoe without voltage ad-
justments as in the case of klys!yons. As these sources are fairly monochromaticvdispersion
of the radiationby means is not needed.
Frequency measuring device: between±l to ±5 MHz, are used
to get a rough estimate of the frequencyof the microwaveradiation.Accurate frequency
measurementsean€done directlyby by the use of a beat techniqpe.
Guidance of radiation to cell: Microwave radiation from the source can be transmitted to the
sample cell through copper) of rectangular cross section,
called waveguides. Waveguides of different dimensions are needed depending on the type
of spectrometer used—7Xband (8—12.4GHz), K band (12.4—18 GHz), etc. It is necessary to
couple out a small fraction of power from the main transmission line for frequency
measurement, monitoring power, etc. A simple and efficient arrangement for this purpose is
as
the Bethe hole directional coupler. Another useful device is the magic tee which is used
one
a power divider, as a bridge for balancing microwave power etc. In addition to these,
,ptc.
requires waveguide bends, connectors, tapers, impedance matching deV1ces,eattenuators,
of the
Sample cell: Different types of cells have been developed depending on the nature
used
experiments. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. One of the commonly
consists of
cells_is the Stark cell employing Stark modulation techniques. The sample cell
means of thin
a long (3 to 4 m) rectangular waveguide, the ends of which are sealed off by
be , studied.
mica windows. It has provision to evacuate and to admit the sample to
that passes through
The radiation is allowed to enter theüVihFÖWgh mica window I and
half-way between the
window 2 is detected. In Stark cell, a flat metal strip is mounted
broad faces of the waveguide cell with a dielectric
metallic.vaveguide-(Figure 6.12). By injecting square wave potential
of the. molecules
between the metallic plate and the waveguide, the reQ)hancCfréquencie.
modulation is
—uhiclwwill-xespondnnly¯töünoleeular -resonances.Hence, cell background characteristics
are eliminatedin Stark modulatio ctro ra hs.
e is the most commonly used
Detector: A • icon c stal mounted in a coaxial cartrid
current. tark spectrographs,the
detector. The incoming radiation gives rise to a D
ansmitted ra 1Ion IS modulated onl hen a molecular resonance (absorp Ion oc rsr•On

which is connect
is amplified and_detectedby Qhasezsensitiye=detector
r er mproved signal to noise ratio is possible only when the modulation
requency is.pg_munH30400 kHz).