Surveillance through nonmetallic walls

Lawrence M. Frazier

doi:10.1117/12.334979

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28 December 1998 Surveillance through nonmetallic walls

Lawrence M. Frazier

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Proceedings Volume 3575, Enforcement and Security Technologies; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.334979
Event: Enabling Technologies for Law Enforcement and Security, 1998, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

Over the past ten years, our goal has been to convert 'High Tech' DoD capabilities into cost-effective tools to help law enforcement people better do their jobs. In many field surveillance operations it is desirable to accurately map the contents of a room or area where access is denied. This presentation will discuss how uniquely crafted radar waves penetrate materials and how the user can determine what is on the other side of a non-metal wall or barrier. The objective of this new technology is to provide accurate surveillance through any non-metal wall. The accuracy and quality of the information depends on the type of wall, the distance from the radar to the wall and the type of radar wave being used. Surveillance in the clear or through interior walls can provide the best resolution and accuracy for mapping and imaging of both moving and nonmoving objects. Penetrations of more dense walls, such as wood and brick, infers longer radar waves with a corresponding reduction in angle resolution, but with good range information. Very dense walls made of reinforced concrete require even longer wave radar signals. In this case, moving target detection is very good, but with reduced range information and relatively poor angle resolution. Physical laws of each situation dictate the type of sensor that can be used and the quality of the surveillance that can be obtained.

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Lawrence M. Frazier "Surveillance through nonmetallic walls", Proc. SPIE 3575, Enforcement and Security Technologies, (28 December 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.334979

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