Radar clutter suppression and target discrimination using twin inverted pulses

Abstract

The proposition that the use of twin inverted pulses could enhance radar is tested. This twin inverted pulse radar (TWIPR) is applied to five targets. A representative target of interest (a dipole with a diode across its feedpoint) is typical of covert circuitry one might wish to detect (e.g. in devices associated with covert communications, espionage or explosives), and then distinguish from other metal (‘garbage’ or ‘clutter’), here represented by an aluminium plate and a rusty bench clamp. In addition, two models of mobile phones are tested to see whether TWIPR can distinguish whether each is off, on or whether it contains a valid SIM card. Given that a small, inexpensive, lightweight device requiring no batteries can produce a signal that is 50 dB above clutter in this test, the options are discussed for using such technology for animal tagging or to allow the location and identification of buried personnel who opt to carry them (rescue workers, skiers in avalanche areas, miners, etc.). The results offer the possibility that buried catastrophe victims not carrying such tags might still be located by TWIPR scattering from their mobile phones, even when the phones are turned off or the batteries have no charge remaining.

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Identifiers

ORCID for T.G. Leighton: orcid.org/0000-0002-1649-8750

ORCID for P.R. White: orcid.org/0000-0002-4787-8713

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