Using the inverse Chirp-Z transform for time-domain analysis of simulated radar signals

There exists a need to develop a method to locate underground voids, or caches. In the past, ground penetrating radar (GPR) operating in the time domain mode has been used. In this paper, we turn our attention to stepped frequency radar, capable of making frequency domain reflection coefficient measurements. We then apply the inverse Chirp-Z transform (ICZT) to this data, generating a time domain response. The scenario under consideration is that of an airborne radar passing over the surface of the earth. The radar is directed toward the surface and is capable of measuring the reflection coefficient, seen looking toward the earth, as a function of frequency. The frequency domain -data in this work is simulated and is generated from a transmission line model of the problem. Using the ICZT we convert this frequency domain data to the time domain. Once in the time domain, reflections due to discontinuities appear at times indicating their relative distance from the source. The discontinuities occurring beyond the surface of the earth could be indicative of underground structures. The ICZT allows a person to zoom in on the time span of interest by specifying the starting time, the time resolution, and the number ofmore » time steps.« less