Subsurface sensing using guided surface wave modes on lossy media
OwnerJames F. Corum, Kenneth L. Coruminventors
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Abstract
Disclosed are various systems and methods for remote surface sensing using guided surface wave modes on lossy media. One system, among others, comprises a guided surface waveguide probe configured to launch a guided surface wave along a surface of a lossy conducting medium, and a receiver configured to receive backscatter reflected by a remotely located subsurface object illuminated by the guided surface wave. One method, among others, includes launching a guided surface wave along a surface of a lossy conducting medium by exciting a charge terminal of a guided surface waveguide probe, and receiving backscatter reflected by a remotely located subsurface object illuminated by the guided surface wave.
Claims20
A method, comprising:
- launching a guided surface wave along a surface of a lossy conducting medium in a Zenneck waveguide mode by exciting one or more charge terminal of a guided surface waveguide probe;
- and
- receiving backscatter reflected by a remotely located subsurface object illuminated by the guided surface wave.
A system, comprising:
- a guided surface waveguide probe configured to launch a guided surface wave along a surface of a lossy conducting medium by substantially mode-matching to a Zenneck waveguide mode of the lossy conducting medium;
- and
- a receiver configured to receive backscatter reflected by a remotely located subsurface object illuminated by the guided surface wave.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.