Radar cross‐section of pedestrians in the low‐THz band

Low‐terahertz (THz) (above 150 GHz) radar sensing is one of the promising technologies to provide safe navigation for autonomous cars due to its expected high‐resolution imaging capability. It is anticipated that for robust operation at high levels of autonomy the sensor suite should provide a fusion of video and radar data and its efficiency depends on radar ability to deliver a resolution high enough to be compatible with that of the optical image. Performance of low‐THz radar, capable to deliver required resolution, is considered in this study, with the focus on reflectivities of pedestrians at frequencies within the low‐THz region – 150 and 300 GHz. Backscatter returns are collected in a controlled environment at a number of frequency bands and at different aspect angles. Measurement methodology is presented and several indicators of reflectivities are calculated. Results are compared with values of radar cross‐section reported for current automotive frequency standards 24 and 77 GHz. The effect of clothing on reflectivities is also considered in this study.