Near-Field Microwave Imaging using a Polarimetric Array of 3D Printed Antennas and Lenses

Abstract

A novel near-field microwave imaging system was designed and fabricated using the three-dimensional (3D) printing technique to manufacture X-band Pyramidal horn antennas and planar graded-index (GRIN) lenses. The flat lens focusing profile is synthesised by varying the refractive index radially in incremental steps that adjust the air-dielectric mixture. The lens is designed for direct attachment to the antenna aperture and transforms spherical waves emanating from antenna phase center into plane radiating waves. Simulated and measurement results show the antenna lens system input impedance is ≤ -10 dB, radiation pattern gain is between 17-20dBi over the 8.2-12.4GHz frequency band and when arrayed for polarimetry sensing has a polarisation cross-talk of ≤-50 dB. A ground penetrating radar system using the nearfield array was scanned over buried targets. The SAR results demonstrated high resolution and polarisation discrimination imagery capable of detecting subsurface objects.