A system to measure the phase shift and attenuation of underground HF electromagnetic propagation

Abstract

This thesis discusses the theory and limitations of a system that has been designed and constructed for the purpose of measuring the phase shift and attenuation of high-frequency (15 MHZ) electromagnetic waves propagating between two insulated antennas that have been lowered down air-filled boreholes (cased with PVC pipe) at San Xavier Mine, Pima County, Arizona. Both the transmitting and receiving antennas are center-fed, sleeve dipoles that have been tuned to approximately their resonant lengths. The insulated-sleeve dipole antenna is modelled as the inner conductor of a radiating, coaxial transmission-line, which allows simple transmission-line formulas to be used in approximating the antenna impedance and current distribution along the antenna. Experimental results at the San Xavier Mine indicate the analogy is valid. Consequently, the most easily interpreted and repeatable measurements have been made with the antennas centered in the borehole.