Focused array radar for real-time imaging and detection

Carey M. Rappaport; Denis M. Reidy

doi:10.1117/12.243083

17 June 1996 Focused array radar for real-time imaging and detection

Carey M. Rappaport, Denis M. Reidy

Proceedings Volume 2747, Radar Sensor Technology; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.243083
Event: Aerospace/Defense Sensing and Controls, 1996, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

The Focused Array Radar (FAR) is a unique time-domain radar system which uses adjustable time delayed signals in a wide multi-element array which focuses transmitted and received signals to detect targets in lossy soil. By making use of specially-designed folded rhombus antenna elements--which are both ultra-wideband and more omnidirectional in the forward direction than a comparable dipole--the FAR optimizes the trade-off between target resolution and penetration depth. These projectory antenna elements, patented by GEO-CENTERS, INC., faithfully radiate sub- nanosecond pulses with frequency response varying from about 700 MHz to 1.3 GHz, so targets in wet soils within 60 cm of the surface and as small as 8 cm can be resolved. The array signals are focused by establishing the time delay from each element to each sample point in the soil medium, taking into consideration the differing propagation speed in air and various soils, as well as ray path refraction at the air/ground interface. These delays are applied in roughly ten picosecond intervals to the transmitted signal and used to time gate the received signal. By using time delays for a focused wideband pulse, the phases of each frequency component of the radar signal are in effect properly specified for constructive interference. Also, as a result of the time-gating, the large ground surface reflection signal is avoided.

Citation Download Citation

Carey M. Rappaport and Denis M. Reidy "Focused array radar for real-time imaging and detection", Proc. SPIE 2747, Radar Sensor Technology, (17 June 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.243083

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available