Millimeter wave radio frequency (RF) 3D tomographic Imaging prototype for concealed object detection and visualization

The Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) 2D/3D imaging prototype developed through MITRE’s independent research and development program has a broad range of uses across industry and government. Uses include security, transportation, logistics, border security, and ports of entry, in addition to military/national security use cases. 

Through its use of non-ionizing radio frequency energy, this capability can be smaller and less costly than the current x-ray technology for these applications.

This innovative technology offers a novel way to view and detect objects concealed in nontransparent materials by rapidly collecting and processing 3D SAR data. This enables the user to have fast, easy access to 2D/3D SAR datasets to facilitate the reconstruction of SAR images within mere minutes at inch resolution. The technology is compact, enabling deployment on edge devices, thereby reducing dataset sizes, and developing algorithms that run faster with less computational power.

This unique RF imaging method is safer in comparison to existing x-ray systems that use potentially harmful ionizing radiation plus magnetic resonance imaging. It's also more economical than other healthcare-related systems that rely on expensive superconducting magnets. Its portability, safety, and affordability make this new millimeter wave RF tomographic imaging solution suitable for deployment in diverse settings.

For more detailed information on MITRE’s SAR 2D/3D prototype or licensing options, contact MITRE's Technology Transfer Office at techtransfer@mitre.org.