System design of radar for mine detection

David J. Daniels

doi:10.1117/12.365721

15 October 1999 System design of radar for mine detection

David J. Daniels

Proceedings Volume 3752, Subsurface Sensors and Applications; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.365721
Event: SPIE's International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1999, Denver, CO, United States

Abstract

Mine detection using active radar systems is the subject of a number of research programs both in the US and in Europe. This paper considers the environmental and operational drivers that influence the design of such radar systems. The prime system architectures are time domain and frequency domain configurations and each has its merits. The majority of the ground probing radars used at present are time-domain ultra- wideband radars and their characteristics are well established, while a smaller proportion of radars operate in the frequency domain, using FMCW, stepped frequency or noise modulation. The complexity and cost of the latter type of radar is at present greater than the time-domain radars but theoretically offers a better dynamic range. This paper considers the characteristics of these generic radar systems and the factors that need to be considered in system design. The performance of the antenna significantly affects the overall system and the paper qualitatively discusses this aspect. For GPR, an important technical challenge is associated with achieving a well-defined antenna footprint to maximize the signal to clutter ratio and consideration will be given, in the paper, to time domain array antennas for mine detection. The results of studies carried out during EU funded programs will be reported in this paper. The radar image of the mine depends not only on its construction and on geometry but also on the local environment, hence prior assumptions about the radar spatial signature of the mine may be ill- founded.

Citation Download Citation

David J. Daniels "System design of radar for mine detection", Proc. SPIE 3752, Subsurface Sensors and Applications, (15 October 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.365721

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available