Experimental Progress Toward Detection and Identification of Electromagnetically Complex Structures

Radio frequency (RF) signatures have been observed in the scattered return when a passive electromagnetically complex target structure is excited with a broadband pulse. The target range can be reliably determined up to a maximum range that is subject to equipment limitations. The range dependence of the return is found to be consistent with theoretical predictions, which include the role played by soil conductivity. Many activities, military and civilian, can benefit from remote detection and identification of visually obscured structures. RF detection techniques benefit from (1) RF's ability to penetrate obstacles, including soil, (2) RF's broad solid-angle coverage, (3) scalability with transmitter power, and (4) the overall maturity of RF technology. See also ADM002187. Presented at the Army Science Conference (26th) held in Orlando, Florida on 1-4 December 2008. Published in the Proceedings of the Army Science Conference (26th), 2008. The original document contains color images.