Low-cost Compact Radar Systems for Detection, Monitoring and Diagnostics

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THE OBJECTIVE of the proposed research program is to develop low-cost and compact sensors for imaging and detection in the microwave frequency range. These sensors will enable integration into the large-scale cognitive sensing networks of the future. The research will involve: (a) hardware design and system integration targeting portable and wearable deployment, and (b) imaging and detection algorithms.***(a) HARDWARE: The sensors will consist of arrays of miniaturized radio units (chip radios integrated with antennas). Implementation on flexible substrates and fabrics will also be investigated for wearable deployment. Small unit size and bias-switched architecture will eliminate expensive and large radio-frequency (RF) components. The RF signal will be down-converted right at the antenna terminals allowing for replacing the microwave intetrconnects with low-frequency (LF) signal traces, which are cheaper and less prone to parasitics. This will drastically reduce signal loss and distortion. We will exploit the unprecedented miniaturization of microwave electronics in the last decade. The software-defined radio paradigm will allow for frequency agility and diversity. Due to these advancements, ubiquitous expansion of microwave imaging, detection and surveillance is anticipated. My team aspires to be in the forefront of this research.***(b) ALGORITHMS: My team is a leader in the methods of real-time microwave imaging and detection. In recent years, we have made these methods not only faster (so that they can image larger objects with finer resolution) but also quantitative, which translates into enhanced detection and identification. We have also developed real-time detection methods for concealed weapon detection (CWD). The next stage of this research will focus on fast iterative reconstruction algorithms and the development of learning and adapting software capabilities. This will enable the real-time imaging and detection in a complex, possibly dynamic, environment and will allow for the best use of a priori information. This is important in applications such as: (i) cancer detection through regular screening, (ii) security surveillance for on-body CWD of moving targets, and (iii) real-time nondestructive monitoring for structural integrity.***The significance of this project is in the plethora of applications that it will enable. Wireless technology has revolutionized society through high-speed wide-coverage information flow among machines and humans. The next frontier is the development of imaging and detection systems that will provide solutions ranging from medical diagnostics, to defect detection, to CWD. Canada is well-positioned to be a leader in this innovation through existing expertise, to which my team contributes. This project will train young researchers in this multidisciplinary field of science and technology preparing them for the jobs of the future.