Compressive Sampling Applied to Millimeter-wave Single Detector Imagers

In Phase I, TRI/Austin teamed with Missouri S&T to investigate and refine several technologies, i.e. synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging algorithms; advanced Compressive Sensing (CS) techniques; innovative imaging hardware; under-sampling; etc, as they apply to high speed millimeter wave imaging. These investigations were supported by both modeling and empirical testing. The Phase I results culminated in the design of a near real time millimeter wave imaging system to be built, tested and delivered in Phase II. The designed system will be affordable, and will combine developments in three areas to allow near real time millimeter wave imaging of features hidden inside solid objects, or visually obscured by debris, smoke, etc. The three primary technologies are: innovative data collection at hundreds of points nearly simultaneously; compressive sensing methods to facilitate data collection over larger regions while maintaining image resolution and system affordability; and optimizing the CS processing hardware and software. We expect the Phase II prototype to be able to create millimeter wave images in seconds instead of hours. Phase II will also include a complete commercialization plan creating the path for Phase III.