The group Electromagnetism of the University of Granada (UGR), supervised by Prof. Rafael Gómez Martín, is working in the design of microwave systems to detect hidden objects. Specifically, materials with earth penetration radars and breast tumors. The projects of these researchers have not only focused on the design of this technology, but also on its specific application. Thus, they have favoured the removal of some marble blocks to the Faculty of Sciences to analyse them and see their fissures and impurities. The final aim is to improve marble pit exploitation.
The idea is to use radar to obtain a detailed image of the subsoil or large marble blocks and distinguish areas from which quality material can be extracted from those that present fractures or cavities in the inside. It all in a fast, economical and efficient way. The echnological Marble Centre of Murcia collaborates in the project favouring the removal of some blocks to the Faculty of Sciences of the UGR to analyse them. It has been necessary to purchase a latest radar system that works by means of microwaves.
The system is called GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) and does not limit to marking signs of these internal elements. In addition, it is necessary a digital reconstruction of the analysed area and to interpret the results. Nowadays, electromagnetism development is based on three cornerstones: theory, experimentation and computer simulation. These computer drills previous to the microwave analysis and later data interpretation “is one of the most studied fields nowadays, both by us and by research groups all over the worls”, Professor Gómez Martín says.
Waves and microwaves
The scientific basis of these projecst is based on electromagnetic waves´ behaviour, whose sources are variable electric currents. The so-called microwaves have a major application field for their properties as well as for the state of technological development. Low-frequency microwaves reach further away the surface in underground detection works.
There are soil materials that make works difficult, such as mud. However, in dry land or ice, such electromagnetic waves can penetrate more than 50 or 60 metres deep. In any case, “cultural heritage and environment preservation can benefit from this technology”, the director of the Electromagnetism UGR group says.
Antennas against cancer
Health is also among the applications of the research work carried out by this group. The group directed by Gómez Martín has worked for a long time in projects related to the study of the biological effects of microwaves on health. Specifically, on the design of small antennas for the intelligent detection by microwaves of tumors smaller than those which can be detected with X-rays and in a less harmful way.
Further information: Prof. Rafael Antonio Gómez Martín. Department of Electromagnetism and Matter Physics. Phone number: 958 24 32 24. E-mail: rgomez@ugr.es
