A 94GHz dual-mode active/passive imager for remote sensing

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We present the development and field testing results of a dual-mode radar/radiometric imager operating at 94GHz. This instrument combines an FMCW radar with a total power radiometer in a compact, portable unit which is designed for ground based remote sensing. The radar produces range maps with a range bin resolution of 1m out to a maximum range of approximately 5km and target reflectivity can also be retrieved. The radiometer produces co-aligned thermal images of the scene with a thermal resolution of the order of one kelvin. The instrument, which uses a single 0.45m Cassegrain antenna, is rastered over the scene using a commercial pan and tilt gimbal. Image acquisition times are of the order of tens of minutes. The principal application for which the instrument was designed is to survey volcanic lava domes, irrespective of weather conditions - it has been named AVTIS for All-weather Volcano Topography Imaging Sensor. We will present results obtained with AVTIS from the Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat, as well as more general terrain mapping imagery gathered locally in Scotland. Besides volcano surveying, AVTIS could be deployed for other remote sensing applications.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)70-81
Number of pages12
JournalProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume5619
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2004

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A 94GHz dual-mode active/passive imager for remote sensing'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this