Exploiting Filter Stopband for Radio Frequency Interferometer Operation.

We propose to exploit filter stopband for high sensitivity radio frequency (RF) interferometer operation by utilizing reflection scattering parameters. Combined with passband filter operation, the modified RF interferometer effectively expands its frequency coverage. A simple model is described to analyze and predict interferometer performance. A high-pass filter and a low-pass filter are designed and built to demonstrate the interferometer operation as well as to verify the model over a frequency of 1-4 GHz. Lossy materials are shown to significantly degrade filter sensitivity enhancement effects due to reduced group delay and lower RF fields. Further work is needed to address the issue.