Simulation of EM wave using buffer-layered antenna and orthogonal MIMO scheme for groundwater detection

Abstract

Exploration of groundwater as alternative water source has the potential to provide solutions for water crisis, and minimize dependency on rainwater. In recent years, groundwater exploration by means of utilizing ground penetrating radar (GPR) is receiving huge attention for its cost benefits. Nevertheless, classical GPR, which uses single-input single-output system with antennas in open-air condition to excite and receive electromagnetic (EM) wave, results in poor signal propagation through soil. This paper proposes usage of an intermediate medium (hereafter denotes as “buffer”), whose dielectric constant takes the geometric average between air and soil under study, to induce improvement of wave propagation. EM waves of 400 MHz are transmitted in an orthogonal multiple-input multiple-output transmission scheme using antenna with buffer layer. Simulation results indicate enhancement of wave propagation inside homogeneous soil, hence improving detection of water table located at 20 m depth.