Loop Antenna Characterization for ELF and SLF Measurements

Abstract

Electromagnetic Fields are present in the Earth, due both to natural and artificial emissions. The Electric and Magnetic fields generated by natural events like volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, are aspects of tectonomagnetism, volcanomagnetism and tectonoelectricity, in the electromagnetic spectrum from radio frequencies (RF) to submicrohertz frequencies. This paper is dedicated to the characterization of loop antennas for measuring electromagnetic precursors of seismic movements and other ELF (3-30 Hz) and SLF (30-300 Hz) natural effects. The antenna factor, impedance, quality factor Q and sensitivity of the antennas are measured. These characteristics are of great importance in the choice of the loop antenna to be used in the framework of the UBACyT research proyect Study of Electromagnetic Disturbances Produced by Seismic Movements.

Keywords

• Electromagnetic Precursors, Magnetic Field, Loop Antenna, Antenna Factor