Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

Time Multiplexing Super Resolving Technique for Imaging from a Moving Platform
Published on: February 12, 2014
Physical working principles of medical radar
Øyvind Aardal1, Yoann Paichard, Sverre Brovoll
1Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, 2027 Kjeller, Norway. oyvind.aardal@ffi.no
Abstract:
There has been research interest in using radar for contactless measurements of the human heartbeat for several years. While many systems have been demonstrated, not much attention have been given to the actual physical causes of why this work. The consensus seems to be that the radar senses small body movements correlated with heartbeats, but whether only the movements of the body surface or reflections from internal organs are also monitored have not been answered definitely. There has recently been proposed another theory that blood perfusion in the skin could be the main reason radars are able to detect heartbeats. In this paper, an experimental approach is given to determine the physical causes. The measurement results show that it is the body surface reflections that dominate radar measurements of human heartbeats.
Related Concept Videos
Doppler Effect - II
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
X-ray Imaging
NMR Spectrometers: Radiofrequency Pulses and Pulse Sequences
Absorption of Radiation
Positron Emission Tomography
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body being...

