Microwave dielectric measurements (0.8-70 GHz) on Artemia cysts at variable water content

Abstract

Dielectric permittivity measurements are reported for cysts of Artemia, a crustacean known as the brine shrimp. Using coaxial and waveguide techniques the authors examined the frequency range from 0.8 to 70 GHz. Taking advantage of the ability of this system to reversibly lose essentially all intracellular water, they determined the permittivity over the entire range of cyst water contents. Although experimental errors prevent a rigorous treatment of the data, they advance the general conclusion that little of the water in this system behaves dielectrically like pure water, regardless of water content. This conclusion is supported by, and is consistent with, the results of previously published studies that probe the motional properties of water in this system using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and quasi-elastic neutron scattering.