Walk-through millimeter wave imaging testbed based on double multistatic cross arrays.

Area of Science:

• Electromagnetic imaging
• Microwave technology
• Sensor systems

Background:

• Millimeter wave (MMW) imaging offers non-ionizing, high-resolution capabilities for security and industrial applications.
• Existing MMW imaging systems often face limitations in coverage or complexity.
• Multistatic configurations can enhance imaging performance by increasing data acquisition diversity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel walk-through millimeter wave imaging testbed.
• To evaluate the imaging performance of a double multistatic cross array configuration.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of the developed imaging system for practical applications.

Main Methods:

• Construction of a walk-through imaging testbed incorporating a vector network analyzer, amplifiers, and 36 SP6T electrical switchers.
• Deployment of double homemade multistatic cross arrays on both sides of the imaging area.
• Deduction and application of an imaging algorithm based on the range migration algorithm.

Main Results:

• Experimental results using a metallic ball target were obtained.
• The imaging resolution achieved was found to be close to the theoretical predictions.
• The testbed demonstrated successful imaging in a mutual mode configuration.

Conclusions:

• The developed millimeter wave imaging testbed is feasible for walk-through applications.
• The double multistatic cross array configuration provides effective high-resolution imaging.
• The system shows promise for enhanced security screening and other imaging tasks.