Microwave photonic radar with a fiber-distributed antenna array for three-dimensional imaging

Area of Science:

• Radar Systems Engineering
• Photonics and Optics
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Traditional radar systems face limitations in achieving high-resolution 3D imaging.
• Microwave photonic (MWP) technologies offer potential for advanced radar applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a novel MWP radar system for high-resolution 3D imaging.
• To utilize photonic techniques for efficient radar signal generation and distribution.
• To develop and validate a 3D imaging algorithm capable of compensating for fiber transmission effects.

Main Methods:

• Employing photonic frequency doubling, wavelength-division multiplexing, and radio-over-fiber techniques.
• Implementing parallel de-chirp processing based on delay-dependent beat frequency division.
• Conducting experiments with a Ku-band MWP radar featuring a fiber-distributed antenna array (1 Tx, 16 Rxs).

Main Results:

• Successful 3D imaging of three trihedral corner reflectors.
• Achieved high resolutions: 7.3 cm (range), 5.6 cm (cross-range), and 0.85° (elevation).
• Demonstrated phase noise compensation in the 3D imaging algorithm to improve channel coherence.

Conclusions:

• The proposed MWP radar with a fiber-distributed antenna array is capable of high-resolution 3D imaging.
• Photonic techniques enable efficient signal generation, distribution, and processing for advanced radar.
• The system shows significant potential for future 3D radar imaging applications.