Relating GPR system parameters to regulatory emissions limits

Abstract

AbstractGround penetrating radar (GPR) is regulated regarding emission limits for ultra‐wideband in a number of jurisdictions. The definitions of these regulations employ concepts and terminology that are more suited to traditional narrow band radio transmitters. Further, the emissions limits were based on limited quantitative factual information and have resulted in stringent limitations on GPR technology advancement. Factual theoretical and experimental information on the emissions from actual GPR devices is not generally available, and the relationship with regulatory requirements is poorly understood by users. This information gap must be filled if a compelling argument for less stringent emissions levels is to be mounted in the future. Moreover, the current regulations have the potential to trigger further review of emission limits in the future which could be detrimental to the use of GPR. In this paper, we present the basic steps entailed in translating impulse time‐domain GPR instrument behaviour into ‘regulatory’ parameters. To achieve this, we also employ three‐dimensional finite‐difference time‐domain numerical modelling to simulate the transient electromagnetic field variation around dipole antennas placed on the surface of a half‐space or at a height over it to illustrate the dependency on sensor height and ground permittivity. The ultimate goal is to establish the foundation for more sensible rule making, if and when, the regulatory standards come under scrutiny for revision and further user understanding.