Millimeter and submillimeter wave ultra wideband interferometry for high-resolution 3D imaging techniques and applications

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Made possible by recent technological breakthroughs, millimeter wave imaging sensor systems can provide visual-like images of objects even under low visibility conditions (e.g., fog, clouds, snow, sandstorms, and smoke), that would blind visual and infrared (IR) sensors. Millimeter wave imagery can provide additional landing information for aircrafts and can be very useful for robot guidance in adverse environments, in industrial processes for control and defect detection, or in diagnostic medicine for early detection of cancer. Hot topics are the security and surveillance applications to identify weapons hidden under the clothing and for object detection, such as plastics and ceramics, which are not detected by conventional magnetometers. Today's commercial imaging systems operate generally up to 35 GHz and the degree of integration is relatively low. The W-band is especially of interest for current research because a massive amount of spectral space (85 - 94 GHz) has been allocated for imagery applications. In addition, future developments in integrated circuit fabrication will allow extending the operating frequency to 140 GHz, 220 GHz, 300 - 340 GHz, and beyond, increasing the captured image resolution. The objective of the proposed project is to develop innovative architectural and technological solutions for millimeter/submillimeter wave 3D imagery: the design, fabrication and characterization of innovative circuits and modules, including multi-port interferometers and array antennas, validation of new transmitter and receiver architectures, and implementation of new algorithms in signal and image processing domain. Substrate Integrated Circuit technologies will be used in order to obtain an optimal approach in terms of cost and quality. Furthermore, system prototypes will be implemented and tested using state-of-the-art test-benches. The new knowledge emerged from this project and the training of highly qualified personnel associated to the different stages of this work, will certainly contribute to enhance Canada's global competitiveness in this high-technology sector.