Enhancing image quality of single-frequency microwave imaging with a multistatic full-view array based on sidelobe...

Area of Science:

• Electromagnetics
• Signal Processing
• Imaging Science

Background:

• Multistatic full-view arrays enable effective single-frequency microwave imaging.
• Enhancing image quality, particularly reducing side-lobe level (SLL), is crucial for accurate sensing.
• Understanding the impact of low spatial frequency samples on SLL is key.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel method for reducing the side-lobe level (SLL) in multistatic full-view arrays.
• To improve the overall image quality in microwave imaging systems.
• To mitigate artifacts and misinterpretations in target imaging.

Main Methods:

• K-space representation and Point Spread Function (PSF) analysis were used to understand SLL.
• A new SLL reduction method was proposed by attenuating low spatial frequency samples.
• A modified back-projection algorithm was employed for image reconstruction.

Main Results:

• Numerical simulations demonstrated an approximate 5 dB reduction in SLL.
• Experimental validation on two targets showed enhanced image quality with 3.5 and 4.5 dB signal-to-mean ratio (SMR) improvement.
• The method successfully avoided image artifacts and ensured correct target interpretation.

Conclusions:

• The proposed SLL reduction method effectively enhances image quality in multistatic full-view microwave imaging.
• This technique offers significant benefits for existing imaging systems across medical and industrial fields.
• The improved image fidelity leads to more reliable sensing and analysis.