Millimeter-Wave Interferometric Angular Velocity Detection

A new method of detecting the angular velocity of moving objects using correlation interferometry is presented. As an object passes through the interferometer beam pattern, the frequency of the signal response is directly proportional to the angular velocity of the object. Only a simple frequency analysis is required to measure the velocity, whereas typical techniques require angle estimation and multiple looks to calculate the rate of angular change over time. The general response of the interferometer is derived, as well as the fringe frequency. The method is verified by detecting the angular velocity of a walking human with a millimeter-wave correlation interferometer, and experimental results of a walking human are presented.