Low-profile array design considerations for through-the-wall microwave imaging applications

There are occasions where it is required to image moving or stationary targets through visually opaque obstacles such as walls. This imaging is achieved through sophisticated electromagnetic and signal processing techniques usually using microwave frequencies for better image resolution and improved wall penetration. Through-the-wall microwave imaging (TWMI) can be used in numerous applications, including rescue missions, behind-the-wall target detection, surveillance and reconnaissance, and even sensing through smoke and dust. This contribution investigates the use of a broadband microstrip patch array, in a multi-element multi-output (MEMO) implementation, as a candidate antenna for a TWMI receive array application.