System and method for pattern design in microwave programmable arrays
First Claim
1. An array for use in a microwave imaging system to capture a microwave image of a target, comprising:
- a plurality of antenna elements, each capable of being programmable with a respective phase shift to direct a beam of microwave radiation toward the target such that the microwave radiation from each of the plurality of antenna elements arrives at the target substantially in-phase;
wherein the phase shifts of selective ones of the plurality of antenna elements are altered to optimize a parameter of the microwave imaging system.
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Abstract
An antenna array for use within a microwave imaging system to capture a microwave image of a target is selectively programmed to optimize one or more parameters of the microwave imaging system. The array includes a plurality of antenna elements, each capable of being programmable with a respective phase shift to direct a beam of microwave radiation toward the target such that the microwave radiation from each of the plurality of antenna elements arrives at the target substantially in-phase. To optimize a parameter of the microwave imaging system, the phase shifts of selective ones of the antenna elements are altered, while still maintaining the substantially in-phase microwave radiation at the target.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. An array for use in a microwave imaging system to capture a microwave image of a target, comprising:
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a plurality of antenna elements, each capable of being programmable with a respective phase shift to direct a beam of microwave radiation toward the target such that the microwave radiation from each of the plurality of antenna elements arrives at the target substantially in-phase;
wherein the phase shifts of selective ones of the plurality of antenna elements are altered to optimize a parameter of the microwave imaging system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A microwave imaging system for capturing a microwave image of a target, comprising:
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a microwave source for providing microwave radiation for illuminating the target; and
a reflector antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements, each of said antenna elements being capable of being programmed with a respective phase shift to reflect the microwave radiation towards the target in a transmit beam such that the microwave radiation from each of the plurality of antenna elements arrives at the target substantially in-phase;
wherein the phase shift of selective ones of the plurality of antenna elements is altered to optimize a parameter of the microwave imaging system. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method for optimizing operation of a microwave imaging system for capturing a microwave image of a target, comprising:
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providing an array including a plurality of programmable microwave antenna elements;
designing a pattern of respective phase shifts for each of the microwave antenna elements to direct a transmit beam of microwave radiation towards the target; and
altering the phase shift of selective ones of the plurality of antenna elements in the pattern to optimize a parameter of the microwave imaging system. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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Specification