Millimeter wave analysis of the dielectric properties of oil shales

TL;DR

This study uses millimeter wave techniques to analyze the dielectric properties of oil shales, revealing that birefringence and dielectric permittivity can serve as effective diagnostics for organic content.

Contribution

It introduces a rapid, noncontacting millimeter wave method to measure dielectric properties of oil shales and links these properties to organic content detection.

Findings

Birefringence strength correlates with organic content.

Dielectric permittivity varies with organic richness.

Millimeter wave measurements are effective diagnostics.

Abstract

Natural sedimentation processes give rise to fine layers in shales. If these layers alternate between organic-rich and organic-poor sediments, then the contrast in dielectric properties gives rise to an effective birefringence as the presence of hydrocarbons suppresses the dielectric constant of the host rock. We have measured these effects with a quasioptical millimeter wave setup that is rapid and noncontacting. We find that the strength of this birefringence and the overall dielectric permittivity provide two useful diagnostic of the organic content of oil shales.