Study and Realization of an UWB Microwave RADAR based on Phase Conjugation

This thesis deals with non-destructive electromagnetic imaging. Its originality lies, primarily, in a marked experimental approach, which has led to the realization of a RADAR prototype able to acquire multisource-multistatic data within the [2-4] GHz frequency band. Furthermore, the system implements beamforming through a numerically-controlled attenuator/phase shifter array.On the one hand, qualitative imaging experiments have been performed. Time Reversal, as well as DORT and TR-MUSIC methods, have been applied to detect and localize scattering objects. In particular, the case of reverberating media has been dealt with.On the other hand, the prototype has been used for quantitative inverse scattering with very aspect-limited data. A non-linearized iterative algorithm taking into account the multi-frequency nature of the data has been adapted to the experimental configuration through a performing calibration procedure.Finally, the possibility of exploiting the features of Time Reversal within the quantitative frame has been studied. The goal is the improvement of the results in random media mimicking those typical of medical imaging (tumor detection) or sub-surface probing (land mine or oil detection) applications.