Detection of concealed explosives and shrapnel weapons using decompositions of microwave polarimetric radar data

Blackhurst, EJ and Salmon, NA (2020) Detection of concealed explosives and shrapnel weapons using decompositions of microwave polarimetric radar data. In: Millimetre Wave and Terahertz Sensors and Technology XIII, 21 September 2020 - 25 September 2020, Online.

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Abstract

Surrogate explosives and shrapnel weapons at a range of 2 metres have been measured using a full polarimetric radar operating over the band 18-26 GHz. Measurements of these items were made as they were standing by themselves and as they were placed on the body, under light clothing. These measurements were compared with measurements made of the divested human body. The polarimetric radar comprised a vector network analyser, and orthomode transducer and a waveguide conical horn antenna. The measurements were analysed using the Euler/Huynen decompositions and the Cloude/Pottier decompositions working on the coherency matrix, as derived from multiple time sequence measurements. The results conclude that the signature of threat items changes considerably when they are placed on the human body. The measured signature of the threat item on the body appears to be somewhere between that of the threat item when it is by itself and that of the divested human body.