Passive microwave camera

A novel microwave imaging technique that is completely passive and has the ability to image objects and scenes that are obscured by smoke, fog, clouds, building materials, and opaque barriers has been developed. The system employs a electrooptic approach to reduce system complexity and cost by orders of magnitude over competing real-time high-resolution microwave imaging systems. A one-dimensional, non-real time passive microwave camera that operates at 17-21 GHz using a 1-meter slotted waveguide antenna was constructed and tested as a proof-of-principle for this approach. Potential applications include aircraft landing, air traffic control, all-weather area surveillance, fire detection, and security.<
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