Target detection in the near field with focused pulsed electromagnetic radiation

The prolate spheroidal reflector antenna focuses pulsed radiation in the near field with a small beam-width, allowing for applications such as target detection. We have investigated the use of two identical antennas for signal transmitting and receiving to detect a moving target behind obstacles, such as human movement behind a wall. The coverage area was found to be 10 m × 7 m. We have also investigated the use of the focusing antenna in a confocal configuration for the detection of stationary targets. We show that decreasing the focal spot size by adding a dielectric lens enables us to resolve targets smaller than diffraction limit.