Electrically short antenna with ground-coupling measurement for M-sequence ground penetrating radar

This paper describes a novel concept of an active receiving antenna for a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) employing an M-sequence as its illuminating signal (M-sequence GPR). The antenna exploits the advantage of M-sequence constant amplitude to simplify its active circuits. In addition to low-frequency receiving capability and small dimensions of the novel antenna concept, it allows for antenna-to-ground coupling measurement. Results of the coupling measurement can be further used for system calibration, estimation of soil properties and for better adjustment of the GPR mechanical setup in static configuration as well. Therefore, this novel concept of ground-coupling measurement can find wide application range in subsurface imaging. Feasibility of this approach is demonstrated by measurements of the developed prototype circuits.