ABSTRACT
This entry surveys the principles and methods of microwave spectroscopy in the elucidation of the molecular structure, dielectric properties, conductivity (complex permittivity), magnetism (complex permeability), and radiometry (for remote sensing and radioastronomy applications). A brief history of microwave science and technology is presented, followed by a discussion of the principles of molecular and dielectric spectroscopy, a description of the devices used to generate and measure microwave radiation, and an explanation of the more commonly encountered measurement methodologies.
