Error analysis for dielectric spectroscopy using shielded open-circuited coaxial lines of general length

The shielded open-circuited coaxial line of general length is studied in detail as a sample cell for broadband measurements of the dielectric permittivity. This cell is a section of transmission line with the center conductor abruptly terminated. The dielectric material to be measured fills the coaxial section of the cell and extends beyond the center conductor into the tube formed by the outer conductor of the transmission line. The permittivities of several primary alcohols were measured with the open-circuited sample cell. The measured relaxation spectra for these alcohols are used to demonstrate the usefulness of the error analysis.