Quasi real-time microwave holography

Abstract

The advantages of real-time microwave holography are reviewed. Real-time capabilities require real-time acquisition of the raw hologram data and real-time retrieval of images from the collected data. This paper examines in detail the acquisition of microwave hologram data by double circular scanning of a single reciever in the context of quasi real-time operation. The principle of the double circular scan is presented and the effect of this sampling format on the retrieved image analyzed. Optical bench simulation of hologram recording employing this sampling format is also presented. It is shown that such a scanning format has the attractive properties of economy, speed (≃1 holographic frame/sec) and excellent retrieved image quality. Finally, the compatibility of the double circular scan format with scanned transmitter-receiver holography is discussed in the context of practical low-cost systems.