Millimeter wave imaging sensors, sources, and systems

Details Millimeter wave imaging sensors, sources, and systems Millimeter wave imaging sensors, sources, and systems

G - Physics

01

S

375/1

G01S 13/89 (2006.01)

Patent

CA 1329659

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A millimeter wave imaging system is disclosed which has wide applicability throughout transportation and related industries. For example, the system may be used to provide an aircraft pilot with an image of a landing field which is essentially unaffected by fog, rain, snow, blowing sand, etc. The system comprises an array 36 of imaging elements 66 as its fundamental component. Each of the imaging elements 66 of the basic array 36 comprises an antenna consisting of a pair of conductive elements 68 and a non-linear circuit element 80 connected thereacross. The paired conductive elements 68 are designed so as to detect millimeter wave radiation emitted by or reflected from objects in the field of view, and the non- linear circuit elements 80 rectify the millimeter wave energy thus detected, providing an output corresponding to the millimeter wave energy received. The imaging elements are disposed in the focal plane of a lens or mirror 40. Each of the elements 66 of the array 36 may provide the signal for one or more pixels of an image signal, such that a focal plane imaging array is thus provided. A image can then be formed responsive to millimeter-wave radiation without complex processing steps or any form of mechanical or electronic scanning. To increase the sensitivity of the imaging array system, a local oscillator signal 26 may be mixed with the energy 12 received from the field of view in each of the imaging elements by the non-linear circuit element. The oscillator 26 used to provide the local oscillator signal can also be used to illuminate the field of view. Coded beacons 1 emitting encoded millimeter wave energy for detection by the imaging array may also be employed. Preferred constructions of the imaging array and of suitable millimeter wave sources are disclosed, as are a number of applications for this technology.

600003

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Millimeter wave imaging sensors, sources, and systems does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Millimeter wave imaging sensors, sources, and systems, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Millimeter wave imaging sensors, sources, and systems will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFCA-PAI-O-1183686