Ka band holographic imaging system based on linear frequency modulation radar

Abstract

Millimeter wave (MMW) technology is expanding rapidly into security screening for dangerous items concealed under clothing. It uses safe non-ionizing radiation and penetrates clothing well. We present a new planar system at Ka band for the three-dimensional simultaneous imaging of both sides of an inspected person where the images are produced in real time by a recently proposed generalized holographic reconstruction algorithm. Low-cost linear frequency modulation (LFM) radar technology is used along with a simple but efficient method for system calibration. Experimental characterization of the spatial resolution and the sensitivity of the system prototype has been carried out. It is established that the achieved spatial resolution is 6 mm or better if the item is not obscured by clothing and it may deteriorate to 7 mm depending on the clothing hiding the item. The spatial sensitivity is confirmed to be at least 2 mm.