Title :
FM-CW radar applied to the detection of buried objects in snowpack
Author :
Yamaguchi, Y. ; Sengoku, M. ; Abe, T. ; Boerner, W.M.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Inf. Eng., Niigata Univ., Japan
Abstract :
A simple FM-CW radar system for detecting buried objects in highly wet snowpack has been demonstrated, and experimental results obtained with this system are presented. Signal frequency is swept linearly over 1-2 GHz in 3 ms. A reflected signal from an object is mixed with the transmitted signal via a microwave mixer, producing a beat signal whose frequency is proportional to the distance between the transmitting antenna and the object. The beat signal in the time domain is transferred to the frequency domain via a FFT operation in the computer. The resultant spectrum is utilized to map the object in a snowpack coupled with an antenna scanning technique. By using a simple averaging and subtracting technique, it is possible to suppress clutter and to enhance the image contrast when the snow layers are aligned horizontally.<>
Keywords :
frequency modulation; radar applications; snow; telecommunications computing; 1 to 2 GHz; 3 ms; FFT; FM-CW radar system; UHF; antenna scanning technique; averaging technique; beat signal; buried objects detection; clutter suppression; distance; experimental results; frequency domain; image contrast enhancement; microwave mixer; reflected signal; signal frequency; snow layers; spectrum; subtracting technique; time domain; transmitted signal; transmitting antenna; wet snowpack; Buried object detection; Dielectric constant; Frequency; Microwave antennas; Radar detection; Radar imaging; Reflection; Snow; Temperature; Transmitting antennas;
Conference_Titel :
Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium, 1990. AP-S. Merging Technologies for the 90's. Digest.
Conference_Location :
Dallas, TX, USA
DOI :
10.1109/APS.1990.115214
