Non-Destructive Imaging of Defects Using Non-Cooperative 5G Millimeter-Wave Signals

Abstract

Recent developments in fifth-generation (5G) wireless communications networks are creating an increasingly crowded electromagnetic environment at microwave (3–30 GHz) and millimeter-wave (30–300 GHz) frequencies. Radiation at these bands can provide non-destructive testing of defects and shielded structures using non-ionizing signals. In an actual building setting where 5G millimeter-wave communications signals are present, passive imaging of the radiation that is propagating through a wall defect can take place by means of interferometric processing without emitting additional signals in an already-crowded spectrum. We investigate the use of millimeter-wave interferometric imaging of defects in building walls and shielded structures by capturing the transmission of 5G millimeter-wave signals through the defects. We experimentally explore the ability to image defects by capturing the transmission of 38 GHz signals through materials using a 24-element interferometric receiving array.