Open AccessEnhancing image quality of single-frequency microwave imaging with a multistatic full-view array based on sidelobe reduction
Author(s) -
Atefeh Naghibi,
Amir Reza Attari
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.424508
Subject(s) - computer science , image quality , reduction (mathematics) , side lobe , microwave imaging , projection (relational algebra) , computer vision , artificial intelligence , main lobe , optics , microwave , image (mathematics) , algorithm , telecommunications , mathematics , physics , antenna (radio) , geometry
Single-frequency microwave imaging can be effectively realized with multistatic full-view arrays, offering great potential in various sensing applications. In this paper, we address the problem of forming high quality images with the focus on multistatic full-view arrays. We aim to enhance its image quality by means of reducing the side-lobe level (SLL) of the imaging array. K-space representation and PSF analysis are presented to get an insight into the effect of low spatial frequency samples collected by the array on the side-lobe response of the array. Based on this understanding, a novel SLL reduction method is proposed based on weakening the effect of low spatial frequency samples. A modified back-projection algorithm is suggested to apply the proposed SLL reduction method in image reconstruction. Numerical simulations confirm a reduction of about 5 dB in side-lobe level. The functionality of the proposed method is verified by using the experimental measurement data of two different targets. Image quality is enhanced by 3.5 and 4.5 dB in terms of signal-to-mean ratio (SMR) for the two studied targets. This considerable improvement has resulted in avoiding appearance of artifacts and wrong interpretations of the target under imaging. The proposed method can be beneficial for existing imaging systems that utilize a full-view multistatic array, from medical to industrial applications.