Researchers have developed a new radar system that is capable of producing images of objects behind walls. The system does it in real-time and can also image objects traveling at hypersonic speeds. The new system is created by scientists at the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
The new radar system relies on microwaves, reports Popular Science. With the longer wavelengths of microwaves, the system can pass through solid objects such as walls and capture accurate data. On June 25, the researchers published their findings in the journal Nature Communications.
“Obviously, I cannot see through those walls, because the kinds of wavelengths that the human eye is sensitive to, they don’t penetrate such objects very well,” Fabio da Silva, one of the researchers behind the new system, told Popular Science. “However, if you go to longer wavelengths, like in the microwave regime … you should be able to ‘see’ through the walls.”
New approach works well
A conventional radar system involves sending radio waves to an area through a transmitter. Those waves bounce off of whatever is in the area and the receiver detects it. The data extracted by these radar “echoes,” the location, size, and movement of objects can be determined. This technique requires multiple receivers and fewer transmitters.
The NIST system, on the other hand, sends out microwaves through multiple transmitters and has only one powerful and sensitive receiver. The system also depends on the waves bouncing off other objects as it makes its way back to the receiver. This enables it to accurately determine the specific location.
The system has huge potential
“You use the idea that light bounces off other objects and these objects then illuminate other objects from multiple bounces,” said da Silva to Popular Science.
While it’s still at a nascent stage, the new tech has huge potential. An ability to see through solid objects and provide accurate images of what’s behind them can help first responders in search or rescue missions. It is also capable of detecting objects through clouds and rains.
Moreover, since the system can track moving objects at hypersonic speeds, it will come in handy in tracking adversarial planes or missiles.
