Non-Uniform Manual Scanning for Microwave Nondestructive Evaluation Imaging

Abstract

Wide-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technique, capable of producing three-dimensional (3D) volumetric images, is a robust imaging tool for microwave and millimeter wave imaging involving nondestructive evaluation (NDE) applications. Conventionally, a relatively large number of measurement samples are required to image even a small area. Thus, it may take a relatively long time to perform the required scan and obtain an image. There is a significant push in the nondestructive testing community towards real-time imaging, particularly when dealing with large and critical structures (i.e., aircraft, bridges, space vehicles, etc.). Here, a method involving non-uniformly sampled wide-band reflection measurements data is described that enables the production of complete SAR images using only a fraction of the required measured data. The imaging method is based on a fast 3D wide-band SAR algorithm that produces 3D SAR images in real-time. Finally, a reconstruction algorithm is used to post-process the data resulting in high quality images with considerably lower background noise/clutter. This paper presents the measurement methodology along with a few experimentally obtained images.

Meeting Name

IEEE International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference (2012: May 13-16, Graz, Austria)

Department(s)

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Microwave Imaging; Non-Uniform Spacing; Nondestructive Evaluation; Synthetic Aperture Radar; Background Noise; Critical Structures; High Quality Images; Imaging Method; Imaging Tools; Measurement Methodology; Millimeter-Wave Imaging; Non-Uniform Spacing; Post Process; Realtime Imaging; Reconstruction Algorithms; Reflection Measurements; SAR Images; Small Area; Space Vehicles; Volumetric Images; Wide-Band; Algorithms; Three Dimensional

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

978-1457717710

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

1091-5281

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2012 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 May 2012

Link to Full Text

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