Computational Millimeter Wave Imaging: Problems, progress, and prospects

Imaging using millimeter waves (mmWs) has many advantages and applications in the defense, security, and aviation markets. All terrestrial bodies emit mmW radiation, and these wavelengths are able to penetrate smoke, blowing dust or sand, fog/clouds/marine layers, and even clothing. However, there are many obstacles to imaging in this spectrum that have to be overcome before mmW imaging systems can be successfully realized for surveillance and defense applications. Recent developments in computational imaging have the potential to significantly improve capabilities of mmW imaging systems. Our article provides an overview of computational imaging and its implication to mmW imaging in various operation modes. We discuss the merits and drawbacks of available computational mmW imaging approaches and identify avenues of research in this rapidly evolving field.