Photonics-Based Dual-Band Radar for Landslides Monitoring in Presence of Multiple Scatterers

In this paper, a dual-band photonics-based radar system used for precise displacement measures in a multitarget scenario is described. The radar was designed for monitoring applications to prevent both structural failures of buildings and landslides. The radar system exploits the technique of stepped frequency continuous wave signal modulation and the displacement of the targets is evaluated through differential phase measurements. In this work, encouraged by the results already achieved in the single-target scenario, we present an investigation extended to the case of multiple targets. We aim to evaluate the accuracy of the displacement estimation both from a simulated and experimental point of view, and to understand how multiple targets impact on the final estimate of displacements. Simulation results demonstrate that it is possible to achieve a typical accuracy of less than 0.2 mm for distances up to 400 m. These results are confirmed by preliminary experimental outcomes, which take into account different operative conditions with multiple targets. Finally, concluding remarks and perspectives draw the agenda for our future investigations.