Tools and techniques for microwave imaging and sensing

微波成像和感测为研究感兴趣区域的未知结构或性质提供了非侵入性工具。 这些技术用于不同材料具有不同电磁（EM）特性的情况，或者可以通过EM特性变化来识别材料的变化的情况。 其应用范围广泛，包括用于检查路基的探地雷达、医疗微波成像和材料含水量表征。 所有这些应用程序的共同点是需要可靠和有效地收集数据，以及将这些数据转化为有意义的结果的手段。拟议研究计划的主要目标是开发一种灵活的微波成像系统，使用多种低成本传感技术提供敏感和特定的图像。 微波成像系统需要高性能传感器，其可以与感兴趣的对象接触操作，沿着定制硬件，其提供对性质的小变化的灵敏度。 增强的成像算法结合了联合收割机从雷达（定位和探测）和断层扫描（属性图）获得的信息。 探索不同传感模式之间的协同作用可能会导致新的方式来收集和处理反射。 该计划预计将导致一种新型的微波成像系统，该系统具有灵活的界面，集成了多种低成本的传感技术，并提供了由于雷达探测与属性地图相结合而更容易解释的图像。 这种新一代的微波成像系统预计将是有用的应用范围从医疗和穿墙成像材料表征。

Microwave imaging and sensing provide non-invasive tools for investigation of the unknown structure or properties of regions of interest. These techniques are used in scenarios where different materials have different eletromagnetic (EM) properties, or where changes in a material may be identified through EM property variations. The diverse range of applications includes ground-penetrating radar for inspection of roadbeds, medical microwave imaging and characterization of water content of materials. Common to all of these applications is the need for reliable and effective collection of data, as well as a means for translating these data into meaningful results. The main objective of the proposed research program is to develop a flexible microwave imaging system that provides sensitive and specific images using multiple, low-cost sensing technologies. Microwave imaging systems require high performance sensors that may operate in contact with the object of interest, along with custom hardware that provides sensitivity to small changes in properties. Enhanced imaging algorithms combine information available from radar (location and detection) and tomography (property maps). Exploration of the synergies between different sensing modalities may lead to new ways to collect and process reflections. The program is anticipated to lead to a new kind of microwave imaging system that has a flexible interface, integrates multiple, low-cost sensing technologies and provides images that are easier to interpret due to the combination of radar detections with property maps. This new generation of microwave imaging system is expected to be useful for applications ranging from medical and through-wall imaging to material characterization.