Time-Domain Reflectometry for Imaging Conductive Environment

Time-domain reflectometry of magnetoinductive (MI) waves in metamaterials with inter-element coupling has been previously shown to enable contactless sensing of conductive objects. The basic principle is that conductive objects affect the resonant properties of elements of the array causing reflections of MI waves. In this work we demonstrate high-fidelity signal detection achieved by tuning the driving signal to the passband of MI waves. Feasibility of imaging of inhomogeneous conductive environment and achieving sub-unit-cell accuracy will be discussed, with potential applications ranging from quality control in 3D printing to medical imaging. Analytical, numerical and experimental results will be presented.