Year
2012
Abstract
We demonstrated proof-of-concept semi-automated GPR-based synthetic aperture radar (GPR-SAR) platform, with advanced signal processing capabilities that achieve highresolution imaging of the underground to depths of multiple meters. Objects such as metal and plastic pipes, voids, drums, and metal plates were imaged to depths of 3 to 4 meters on real field data for compact and fairly conductive soils. Next generation sensors can be developed to image much deeper into the ground. The principal objective of this research project, supported by DOE’s Remote Sensing program, was to advance and expand broadarea search capabilities using remote-sensing radar imaging, verification or reconnaissance capability for NNSA to detect and image underground. The research advancement addressed tradeoffs between resolution and depth by taking advantage of multi-static radar signal processing and sensing paradigms developed in recent years. We now have a rapidly deployable signal collection, processing, and analysis platform that can be deployed for onsite inspection exercise. The platform would allow rapid sensing and processing over large areas of suspect underground test sites for the enforcement of a CTBT, and also imaging of geological repositories. There appears to be some other relevance of this technology for ongoing test scenarios used by CTBT Organization, such as detection of borehole (via detection of metal, anomalous materials or voids) at cleared pads. We present result from field experiments at DOE test sites, and discuss issues for next generation system design.