Single-frequency 3D synthetic aperture imaging with dynamic metasurface antennas

Michael Boyarsky, Timothy Sleasman, Laura Pulido-Mancera, Aaron V. Diebold, Mohammadreza F. Imani, David R. Smith

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

Through aperture synthesis, an electrically small antenna can be used to form a high-resolution imaging system capable of reconstructing three-dimensional (3D) scenes. However, the large spectral bandwidth typically required in synthetic aperture radar systems to resolve objects in range often requires costly and complex RF components. We present here an alternative approach based on a hybrid imaging system that combines a dynamically reconfigurable aperture with synthetic aperture techniques, demonstrating the capability to resolve objects in three dimensions (3D), with measurements taken at a single frequency. At the core of our imaging system are two metasurface apertures, both of which consist of a linear array of metamaterial irises that couple to a common waveguide feed. Each metamaterial iris has integrated within it a diode that can be biased so as to switch the element on (radiating) or off (non-radiating), such that the metasurface antenna can produce distinct radiation profiles corresponding to different on/off patterns of the metamaterial element array. The electrically large size of the metasurface apertures enables resolution in range and one cross-range dimension, while aperture synthesis provides resolution in the other cross-range dimension. The demonstrated imaging capabilities of this system represent a step forward in the development of low-cost, high-performance 3D microwave imaging systems.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)4123-4134
Number of pages12
JournalApplied Optics
Volume57
Issue number15
DOIs
StatePublished - May 20 2018
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Engineering (miscellaneous)
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Single-frequency 3D synthetic aperture imaging with dynamic metasurface antennas'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this