Bistatic frequency-swept microwave imaging: Principle, methodology and experimental results

The basic principle, methodology, and experimental results for frequency-swept microwave imaging of continuous shape conducting and discrete line objects in a bistatic scattering arrangement are presented. The theoretical analysis is developed under the assumptions of plane wave illumination and physical optics approximation. The measurement system and calibration procedures are implemented based on plane wave spectrum analysis. Images of three different types of scattering objects reconstructed from the experimental data obtained in the frequency range 7.5-12.5 GHz are shown to be in good agreement with the scattering object geometries. The results demonstrate that this bistatic frequency-swept microwave imaging system has potential as a cost-effective tool for remote sensing, imaging radar, and nondestructive evaluation