Impedance Phase Research Articles

Investigating Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy for Estimating Blood Flow-Induced Variations in Human Forearm.

This work aims to investigate the feasibility of employing multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis for hemodynamic assessment. Towards this, we aim to explore one of its implementations, electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), for estimating changes in radial artery diameter due to blood flow. Following from our previous investigations, here, we use a commercial device—the Quadra® Impedance Spectroscopy device—for impedance measurements of the forearm of three subjects under normal conditions and occluding the artery with a cuff. This was performed simultaneously with ultrasound measurements as a reference. The impedance spectra were measured over time, yielding waveforms reflecting changes due to blood flow. Contributions from the fat/muscle domains were accounted for using the occluded impedance response, resulting in arterial impedance. A modified relationship was approximated to calculate the diameter from the arterial impedance, which showed a similarity with ultrasound measurements. Comparison with the ultrasound measurements revealed differences in phase and amplitude, primarily due to the approximated relationship between impedance and diameter and neglecting the impedance phase analysis. This work shows the potential of EIS, with improvements, towards estimating blood flow-induced variation in arteries. Further analysis and improvements could help place this technology in mainstream clinical practice for hemodynamic monitoring.

Magnetotelluric array in the central Finnish Lapland I: Extreme data characteristics

We present magnetotelluric (MT) data from the northern Fennoscandian shield, which show extreme behavior due to the complex geoelectric setting left behind by the tectonic reworking of the Archaean bedrock during the Palaeoproterozoic. The core of the MT data set from the central Finnish Lapland were acquired in 2014 in the context of the MaSca-project.Extreme data are defined by the condition where the determinant of the real and/or imaginary part of the impedance tensor becomes negative. This is related to, but is a more anomalous condition than out-of-quadrant off-diagonal impedance phases. Physically, these are associated to reversal of e.g. the electric field as compared to its direction for one-dimensional resistivity structure. So far, only few examples of extreme data have been explicitly reported in geophysical literature. Data previously classified as erroneous might belong to the class of extreme data instead and data quality analysis should take this into account. A resistivity contrast of at least ca. 1:1000 is required to observe extreme data, as indicated by synthetic modelling studies. Extreme data are challenging from a modelling point of view and thus also drive the need for new developments in forward and inverse codes for MT.In this study, behavior of the phase tensor parameterization in case of extreme data is clarified. The quadrants of the principal value phases, a piece of information inherently missing from the phase tensor, can be recovered if the parameters are followed as a function of period. The behavior of the determinant (average) of the impedance tensor is investigated, since out-of-quadrant determinant phases are sometimes observed in conjunction with extreme data. A special condition is demonstrated, which links out-of-quadrant determinant phases and extreme data to negative determinant of the galvanic distortion tensor.

Phase‐detection‐based metal objects and pick‐up coils detection scheme without malfunction in wireless power transfer system

Metal object detection (MOD) and detection of position (DoP) of pick-up coils are increasingly critical to the commercialisation of the wireless power transfer system. In this study, a detection scheme based on phase-detection, which can both realise the function of MOD and DoP, is newly introduced. The method is based on the principle that the presence of metal objects and pick-up coils both affect the impedance phase of the detection coil loop. Comparing with the traditional detection methods, which is based on measuring the absolutely value of impedance in detection loop, the malfunction is avoided by adopting phase difference as the criterion of the existence of metal objects and pick-up coils. An inexpensive and high-precision sensing circuit is newly designed to acquire the phase difference accurately. Simulation models and experiments are conducted to verify the feasibility of the proposed detection scheme. The of the detection coil circuit with a coin placed reaches −5.17, while the of other detection coils without metal objects keeps zero. In the meantime, the position of the pick-up coil is identified because the of these detection coils closer to the centre of the pick-up coil varies more significantly while other coils vary slightly.

Processing and Interpreting the Data of Deep Frequency Sounding in a Complex with Audiomagnetotelluric Measurements (Murman-2018 Experiment)

This paper aims to study the deep electrical conductivity of the Murmansk block (Fennoscandian Shield) using the controlled source audio-frequency magnetotelluric (CSAMT) and audiomagnetotelluric (AMT) methods. One of the most important tasks in deep sounding studies implying the joint application of the AMT and CSAMT methods is to take into account the influence of surface conductors on the measurement results (static shift). To solve this problem, we develop a methodology for processing and interpreting the measurement data of the CSAMT and AMT system using the results of the deep sounding experiment conducted in the frequency range from 1 to 500 Hz performed in 2018 (Murman-2018) as an example. Measurements with the controlled source in the form of two mutually orthogonal horizontal electric dipoles are taken at distances of 12 to 105 km. The generator-measuring complex consisted of the VMTU-10 measuring station (manufactured by OOO VEGA, St. Petersburg) and the Energy-4 generator (developed at the Kola Science Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Apatity). Using the synchronous time series of the field components at the observation points and the current in the supply dipole, the power spectra of the autocorrelation and cross-correlation functions of the recorded values are calculated based on the fast Fourier transform (FFT). The obtained spectral characteristics are used (i) to determine the amplitudes of the source field’s components and the phase shifts between them, and (ii) to evaluate the components of the AMT field’s impedance tensor. The values of the apparent resistivity are calculated using the amplitudes of the horizontal components of the electromagnetic field and the impedance ratios. The obtained measurement results are corrected for the static shift. For this, the correction coefficients are calculated from the ratio between the apparent resistivity values for the horizontal component of the magnetic field and the apparent resistivity values inferred from the impedance and electrical field values. The data for the cases of axial and equatorial arrays, together with the data of the AMT and remote sounding, made it possible to establish a high degree of lateral homogeneity of the deep electrical section and to expand the frequency range of the obtained curves of the apparent resistivity and impedance phase. A one-dimensional interpretation is made to obtain estimates of the distribution of the deep resistivity.

Magnetotelluric Soundings on a Stratified Earth with Two Transitional Layers

Theoretical magnetotelluric (MT) soundings are investigated for a stratified (five-layered) Earth model consisting of two transitional layers with conductivity varying linearly with depth, and three homogeneous layers with constant conductivity. The analytical expressions for the tangential electric and magnetic fields as well as the surface impedance are derived in terms of Airy functions. The effect of the thicknesses of the two transitional layers and the interlayer between them on the MT responses (apparent resistivity and impedance phase) is examined in detail.

Can Phase Angle in Newborns at Neonatal Intensive Care Units Be an Indicator of Mortality and Prognosis?

The bioelectrical impedance (BI) phase angle (PA), analyzed directly through BI analysis (BIA), is determined by tissue cellularity, representing a direct measure of cellular stability and, for this reason, has been studied and considered as an indicator of prognosis and nutrition status in adults and children. We aimed to determine if PA can be an indicator of mortality and prognosis in newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Transversal study conducted at a public NICU in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. All newborns, preterm and term, were considered eligible for the study if admission to the NICU occurred by the first hour of life. The Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology II, as well as the Perinatal Extension version, were developed to assess the risk of mortality for all newborns, measured within 12hours of admission. BIA measurements were conducted using the tetrapolar BioScan Maltron 916, with single-frequency (50 kHz) tetrapolar BI. PA was calculated as the arc tangent: (Xc/R) x 180°/π. BIA was measured during the first 24hours of admission for all newborns (n = 93), repeated between 24 and 48hours (n = 79) and again after 7 days (n = 55), always when possible. PA measurements decreased in the first 48hours in premature newborns, particularly among those who died. The premature newborns also showed a significant decrease from the first to the last PA measurement (P = .001). In addition, whereas full-term newborns showed an increase of PA at 1week of life, preterm infants continued to have a decrease in values. For preterm newborns, PA measurements decreased and more sharply so for those who died. This result should be viewed with caution given the small number of deaths, but it should be investigated to understand the role of PA in the prognosis of NICU newborns. The absolute value of PA during the first 24hours of life was not a good marker for severity or mortality. However, the decrease of PA between different moments of evaluation was a good marker of severity. The decrease of PA in the first 48hours in premature newborns, and that when the decrease is more pronounced, may be indicative of mortality. The difference in PA values between these newborns is probably a significant variable for mortality and prognosis and not a cutoff value.

Magnetotelluric study of the mechanism of the Abaga and Dalinor volcanic groups in Central Inner Mongolia, China

Central Inner Mongolia is one of the areas with intense volcanic activity in the Cenozoic. In order to better understand the origin of these volcanoes, a study of magnetotelluric sounding (MT) was carried out. This study aims to learn about the mechanism of deep volcanic areas from the electrical point of view. Broadband and long-period MT data were collected on a 500-kilometer section at central Inner Mongolia. Two-dimensional inversion was applied since the data show no obvious three-dimensional effect. Impedance tensor decomposition and phase tensor analysis show that the electric strike angle of the study area is N45°E. A 2-D resistivity model was obtained with a depth range from surface to the uppermost mantle (0–150 km). The resistivity model imaged the ascending channels and the sources of the magma beneath the Abaga and the Dalinor volcanic groups. There are low resistivity anomalies (C1 and C2) related to volcanic activities at depths of 60–100 km below the two volcanic groups. The percentage of melt in the low-resistivity areas below the Abaga volcanic group and the Dalinor volcanic group are as high as 5–10% and 3–5% respectively. This difference in terms of melt fraction explains why the volcanic activity of the Abaga volcanic group is larger than that of the Dalinor volcanic group. Two magma chambers were found in the lower crust of the Dalinor volcanic group, and no magma chamber was found beneath the Abaga group. Based on the resistivity model, it is further speculated that the formation mechanism of volcanic activity in central Inner Mongolia is that the partial molten asthenosphere in an extensive environment flowed up to the surface through structural fissures and formed a large area of basalt platform. The magmatic body imaged at the depths of 60–100 km may be the source of volcanic eruptions of the study area.

Effects of Resistance Training with Different Pyramid Systems on Bioimpedance Vector Patterns, Body Composition, and Cellular Health in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) and phase angle (PhA) have been widely used to monitor changes in health-related parameters in older adults, while resistance training (RT) is one of the potential strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of aging. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of the crescent pyramid RT system with two repetition zones on BIVA patterns and PhA. Fifty-five older women (≥60 years) were randomly assigned into three groups: control (CON, n = 18), narrow pyramid (NPR, n = 19), and wide pyramid (WPR, n = 18). The RT was performed for eight weeks, three times per week, in eight exercises for the whole body with three sets of 12/10/8 (NPR) or 15/10/5 repetitions (WPR). Bioimpedance spectroscopy (50 kHz frequency) was assessed. After the intervention period, both training groups showed significant changes in BIVA patterns compared to CON (p < 0.001); resistance decreased and reactance increased, which resulted in a BIVA-vector displacement over time (p < 0.001). Changes in PhA were greater for WPR (∆% = 10.6; effect size [ES] = 0.64) compared to NPR (∆% = 5.3; ES = 0.41) and CON (∆% = −6.4; ES = −0.40). The results suggest that the crescent pyramid RT system with both repetition zones (WPR and NPR) is effective for inducing improvements in BIVA patterns and PhA in older women, although WPR elicits greater increases in PhA than NPR.

The effect of phase-adjuster on the performance of a thermoacoustic Stirling heat engine

The travelling-wave thermoacoustic Stirling heat engine with a phase-adjuster is proposed in this study. The phase-adjuster was located at the end of the resonator pipe. It plays a key role in adjusting the acoustic field to maintain the high impedance and travelling-wave phase region within the regenerator when the acoustic loads and operating conditions are off-design. These are the crucial conditions for the engine to perform efficiently. This configuration leads to a new type of travelling-wave thermoacoustic engine that the acoustic network in the regenerator can retain the high-efficiency level with acoustic load variation. The proposed concept has been investigated numerically based on linear thermoacoustic theory. Compressed air at 10 bar was applied as the working medium. The operating frequency was about 44 Hz. Different shapes of the resonator: a straight resonator and an enlarged resonator, were also investigated. As a result, the higher efficiency was achieved from the engine with the larger resonator. The maximum thermal efficiency was up to 17.2%, which corresponds to 33.5% of Carnot efficiency.

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of water-in-crude oil emulsions

We conducted a study of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy on water-in-crude oil emulsions based on a heavy oil sample from the Orinoco Belt. Electric impedance measures were obtained by means of an HP 4192A impedance analyzer and a stainless steel coaxial cylinder capacitor; due to impedance coupling between the analyzer and the sensor, the frequency range was taken from 75 kHz to 4 MHz. Impedance modulus and phase angle of the studied samples showed that the composed system behaves like an ideal capacitor filled with dielectric. Overall, the dielectric permittivities of samples, real and imaginary part, increase with the water contained in emulsions. The electric conductivity of all emulsions increase with frequency. The experimental data was fitted to Wagner’s theory and Hanai’s theory, finding a good correlation with the high frequencies Hanai model at water concentrations lower than 30%.

Design, implementation and experimental characterisation of a high sensitivity GMI gradiometer with an interference compensation system

The giant magneto-impedance (GMI) effect has been, since its discovery, one of the most promising technologies in the development of magnetic sensors. Features such as high sensitivity, stability and low cost are the main reasons for the development of this type of magnetometers. This study reports the design, implementation and experimental characterisation of a high sensitivity GMI gradiometer, aimed at measuring low-intensity magnetic fields. A first-order gradiometer was designed, based on the impedance phase characteristics of two Co 70 Fe 5 Si 15 B 10 amorphous ribbon-shaped sensors connected to an electronic circuit that converts the magnetic field into an output voltage. The developed prototype can operate not only as gradiometer but also as two separate magnetometers, which allows it to incorporate a compensation system against deviations in the biasing field of the GMI sensors. The experimental results for the gradiometer showed a sensitivity of 99 mV/μT, a measuring range of ±30 μT, a magnetic noise of 5 nT Hz -1/2 at 5 Hz and a resolution of 40 nT within a 500 Hz bandwidth. The compensation system has shown a settling time of 1.6 s for perturbations in the range ±10 μT with a steady-state error <;0.02%. All experiments were performed in an unshielded environment.

Time Stamp - A Novel Time-to-Digital Demodulation Method for Bioimpedance Implant Applications.

Bioimpedance analysis is a noninvasive and inexpensive technology used to investigate the electrical properties of biological tissues. The analysis requires demodulation to extract the real and imaginary parts of the impedance. Conventional systems use complex architectures such as I-Q demodulation. In this paper, a very simple alternative time-to-digital demodulation method or 'time stamp' is proposed. It employs only three comparators to identify or stamp in the time domain, the crossing points of the excitation signal, and the measured signal. In a CMOS proof of concept design, the accuracy of impedance magnitude and phase is 97.06% and 98.81% respectively over a bandwidth of 10 kHz to 500 kHz. The effect of fractional-N synthesis is analysed for the counter-based zero crossing phase detector obtaining a finer phase resolution (0.51˚ at 500 kHz) using a counter clock frequency ( fclk = 12.5 MHz). Because of its circuit simplicity and ease of transmitting the time stamps, the method is very suited to implantable devices requiring low area and power consumption.

Impedance spectroscopy of monocrystalline silicon solar cells for photosensor applications: Highly sensitive device

In this study, the AC impedance measurements have been used to characterize the monocrystalline silicon solar cell device under dark and illumination conditions. AC impedance measurements in the illuminated conditions are analyzed to identify the electronic behavior through equivalent AC circuit representation in terms of lumped parameters obtained by fitting the measured impedance data. The angle impedance phase increases from negative to positive values with increasing illumination conditions. The real part Z′ of the complex impedance value is typically higher at the dark light in the low-frequency region. It decreases gradually with increasing frequency reaching a plateau demonstrating independence on illumination at high frequencies. Nyquist plots exhibited a semicircle associated with the bulk single-crystalline body, and an additional spike is distinguishable at high frequency. The AC electrical conductivity is changed under dark and illumination conditions. Finally, the studied solar cell shows a highly sensitive light impedance response suggesting its suitability for use in photosensor applications.

Quantifying bacterial spore germination by single-cell impedance cytometry for assessment of host microbiota susceptibility to Clostridioides difficile infection

The germination of ingested spores is often a necessary first step required for enabling bacterial outgrowth and host colonization, as in the case of Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection. Spore germination rate in the colon depends on microbiota composition and its level of disruption by antibiotic treatment since secretions by commensal bacteria modulate primary to secondary bile salt levels to control germination. Assessment of C. difficile spore germination typically requires measurement of colony-forming units, which is labor intensive and takes at least 24 h to perform but is regularly required due to the high recurrence rates of nosocomial antibiotic-associated diarrhea. We present a rapid method to assess spore germination by using high throughput single-cell impedance cytometry (>300 events/s) to quantify live bacterial cells, by gating for their characteristic electrophysiology versus spores, so that germination can be assessed after just 4 h of culture at a detection limit of ~100 live cells per 50 μL sample. To detect the phenotype of germinated C. difficile bacteria, we utilize its characteristically higher net conductivity versus that of spore aggregates and non-viable C. difficile forms, which causes a distinctive high-frequency (10 MHz) impedance phase dispersion within moderately conductive media (0.8 S/m). In this manner, we can detect significant differences in spore germination rates within just 4 h, with increasing primary bile salt levels in vitro and using ex vivo microbiota samples from an antibiotic-treated mouse model to assess susceptibility to C. difficile infection. We envision a rapid diagnostic tool for assessing host microbiota susceptibility to bacterial colonization after key antibiotic treatments.

Bioelectrical pathology of the breast; real-time diagnosis of malignancy by clinically calibrated impedance spectroscopy of freshly dissected tissue

In this paper, freshly (non-fixed) dissected tissues obtained from breast cancer surgery were impedimetrically and pathologically scanned, analyzed, and probable electro-pathological mutual matching was investigated. A new electrical model was proposed for pathological scores of breast lesions based on the theory of electric current dispersion by different types of biological tissues. This integrated handheld bioimpedance sensor named EPA would score the clearance or malignancy involvement of dissected tumor margins by introducing two crucial classification parameters named Z1kHz and IPS (impedance phase slope in the frequency ranges of 100–500 kHz). EPA benefits from a precise signal recording and analysis method which leads to the detection of the presence of even about 5% distribution of premalignant cells among healthy breast tissue. EPA can be clinically used by pathologists, as a complementary device, for real-time diagnosis of suspicious margins of dissected tumors to declare more precise intraoperative diagnosis by scanning all around the dissected tissues. Each data sampling and analysis covers 2 mm of the surface in less than 5 s. Measurements on about 313 human breast tumor margins showed more than 90% accuracy and near 93% specificity for EPA as an independent diagnostic tool.

Continental-scale deep electrical resistivity structure beneath China

Electrical resistivity structure in the deep Earth can provide important information and constraints on regional geodynamics, especially in regions with complex tectonics and geodynamical processes. In this study, we image the electrical resistivity structure in the depth range of 350–1200 km beneath China by inverting the frequency-dependent ratios of geomagnetic field components at a relatively dense network of geomagnetic observatories. Very long time series of hourly mean values of the three-component geomagnetic field from 45 geomagnetic observatories are collected and processed to derive robust ratios of the geomagnetic components, which are then converted to the apparent resistivities and impedance phases in the period range of 5.3–113.8 days and used in 1-D Occam inversion with smoothing constraint and the ρ+ method to obtain the electrical resistivity profiles and delta function models at individual observatories. 1-D electrical resistivity models suggest that low electrical resistivity structure exists in the mantle transition zone beneath eastern China. High water content in the mantle minerals due to the subduction of seismically fast Pacific slab is proposed as the main reason for the low electrical resistivity beneath eastern China. Our results provide further evidence that the western front of the subducting Pacific slab in the mantle transition zone roughly coincides with the abrupt change in the surface topography in eastern China.

Analysis of a rectangular prism n-units RLC fractional-order circuit network

It was demonstrated recently that ideal capacitors can not exist physically and that the behavior of real-world inductors and capacitors is characterized by fractional-order (FO) models. Therefore, the modeling and analysis of FO electrical circuit networks (FO-ECN) has gained considerable interest. This paper introduces the basic principles of a class of rectangular prism n-units (♢×n) RLC FO-ECN, including the mathematical modeling and the analysis of the impedance magnitude and phase. Three general formulas of the equivalent impedance between two nodes of the FO-ECN are obtained by the matrix transform method. The relationship between the impedance and the FO-ECN parameters, including the capacitance, inductance, number of circuit units and FO are investigated. Numerical simulations reveal dynamical phenomena not exhibited by ordinary ECN.

Nanoparticle-based 3D membrane for impedimetric biosensor applications

This paper reports on a comparison between nano-ZnO/CuO and nano-ZnO nitrocellulose membrane biosensors, both of which were fabricated using a simple and inexpensive sonication technique. To produce the nano-ZnO/CuO membranes, the technique involved sonication of 1% (w/v) ZnO and 1% (w/v) CuO nano-crystal colloidal suspensions, with a volume ratio of 1:2. The membranes were analysed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy, which showed the gradated distribution of nanoparticles in the membrane. Impedance spectroscopy demonstrated that the sonication resulted in a greater than two-fold enhancement of the output signal. Changes in impedance phase values, at a frequency of 100 Hz, were used to establish dose dependent responses for C-reactive protein (CRP). Limits of detection of 27 pg/mL for the 1% (w/v) nano-ZnO and 16 pg/mL for the 1% (w/v) nano-ZnO/CuO nitrocellulose membrane biosensors were demonstrated.

3D bioprinting using hollow multifunctional fiber impedimetric sensors

3D bioprinting is an emerging biofabrication process for the production of adherent cell-based products, including engineered tissues and foods. While process innovations are rapidly occurring in the area of process monitoring, which can improve fundamental understanding of process-structure-property relations as well as product quality by closed-loop control techniques, in-line sensing of the bioink composition remains a challenge. Here, we report that hollow multifunctional fibers enable in-line impedimetric sensing of bioink composition and exhibit selectivity for real-time classification of cell type, viability, and state of differentiation during bioprinting. Continuous monitoring of the fiber impedance magnitude and phase angle response from 102 to 106 Hz during microextrusion 3D bioprinting enabled compositional and quality analysis of alginate bioinks that contained fibroblasts, neurons, or mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Fiber impedimetric responses associated with the bioinks that contained differentiated mESCs were consistent with differentiation marker expression characterized by immunocytochemistry. 3D bioprinting through hollow multifunctional fiber impedimetric sensors enabled classification of stem cells as stable or randomly differentiated populations. This work reports an advance in monitoring 3D bioprinting processes in terms of in-line sensor-based bioink compositional analysis using fiber technology and provides a non-invasive sensing platform for achieving future quality-controlled bioprinted tissues and injectable stem-cell therapies.

A Novel System for Measuring Alternating Current Impedance Spectra of Series-Connected Lithium-Ion Batteries With a High-Power Dual Active Bridge Converter and Distributed Sampling Units

Alternating current (ac) impedance spectra facilitate lithium-ion battery management. Realizing a low-cost and low-complexity onboard impedance measuring system is a vital issue for the management based on the ac impedance. In the article, a novel impedance measuring system combined with a high-power dual active bridge (DAB) converter and distributed sampling units is proposed and verified. The DAB converter is designed to generate the ac disturbance to ensure a quasi-steady measurement of the battery impedance. The distributed signal sampling units simultaneously measure the voltage and current of all the series-connected battery cells in a module to measure their impedance. The measured impedance in a frequency range of 0.1-500 Hz shows the feasibility of the system. The root-mean-square errors of the measured impedance phase from 0.2 to 200 Hz and the magnitude from 0.1 to 500 Hz are less than 6.9% and 4.0%, respectively. The errors in some frequency ranges are slightly larger, which are analyzed. The novelty is reflected in that the system is easily integrated into a bidirectional onboard charger and compatible with the battery management system, thus reducing costs and complexity. It provides a basis for the onboard application of the battery impedance.