Low-Cost Simple Compact and Portable Ground-Penetrating Radar Prototype for Detecting Improvised Explosion Devices

Abstract

This chapter presents the design and fabrication of a low-cost continuous-wave ground-penetrating radar for detecting improvised explosive devices buried in the soil for use of security forces. It is low cost and simple because it uses a single frequency (920 MHz) and is designed only for the detection of the buried target. The work presented includes designing of transmitter system module, receiver system module, antennas, power module, graphical user interface module, and making a prototype that is compact and portable. The chapter explains the concept and illustrates a method to enhance isolation between antennas, which is a very important parameter for the effective functioning of ground-penetrating radar. The presented method of enhancing isolation by cavity-backing a rectangular microstrip antenna and keeping them separated at an optimum gap yielded high isolation of 52.6 dB. The prototype radar, using the enhanced isolation antennas, demonstrates the capability to detect up to the depth of 65 cm for a circular steel target of radius 12.5 cm buried in loose semi-dry pebbled soil. The prototype radar is sensitive enough to detect a plastic box, a small bunch of wire, a book (paper) buried in soil and a wooden slab and a steel scale buried in a sandpit.