57-64 GHz Imaging/Detection Sensor-Part II: Experiments on Concealed Weapons and Threatening Materials Detection

• Published in: IEEE sensors journal 2020-09, Vol.20 (18), p.10833-10840
• Main Authors: Briqech, Zouhair, Gupta, Shraman, Beltay, Abdu-Adeem, Elboushi, Ayman, Sebak, Abdel-Razik, Denidni, Tayeb A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antenna arrays; Antennas; Cotton; Fabrics; Field of view; Focal plane; Frequency ranges; Hidden weapons detection; High gain; high gain antenna; Imaging; Microwave holography; microwave imaging; millimeter wave (MMW); Millimeter waves; monostatic radar; Plastics; Plywood; Polymers; reflection/scattering; Reflectometry; Scanning; scanning sensor; Sensors; Synthetic apertures; tapered slot antenna; Target recognition; Time domain analysis; Weapons
• ISSN: 1530-437X; 1558-1748
• DOI: 10.1109/JSEN.2020.2997293

In this paper, experimental evaluations over the frequency range of a 57-64 GHz for an improved millimeter wave (MMW) imaging/detection system have been conducted. The main objective behind this work is to examine the performance of a high gain and low profile multi sine corrugated AFTSA antenna sensor in the detection of metallic, non-metallic weapons and suspected liquids hidden by clothing, plywood, and plastics. A microwave holography technique based on time domain reflectometry (TDR), which utilizes amplitude information recorded over a 2D aperture, reconstructs a focused image of the target. 60 GHz ISM band imaging detection experiments elaborate the ability for the detection of concealed weapons or other threatening items placed on a body phantom, easily penetrating clothing material of different thicknesses, as well as able to detect through plywood and plastics. The MMW image is detected using a 2D linear scanning platform which generates XY movement, with a 30\times30 cm 2 mechanical range for the object field of view and oriented perpendicular with respect to a lens focal plane. This work is performed with a cross range resolution of \delta {x}=\delta {y}= 3 mm achieving a 100\times100 pixels MMW image. The mechanical setup scanning method is similar to synthetic aperture array with a single AFTSA antenna element measurement, ideal for investigating the probe for 60 GHz band imaging and in detecting concealed threatening items at security surveillance checkpoints.