Detection of radio-frequency electronics by acoustic modulation of radar waves

Acoustic-electromagnetic interaction is evaluated for radar detection of electronic targets. The transmitter consists of a radar-wave generator emitting a single electromagnetic (EM) frequency and an acoustic-wave generator emitting a single audio frequency. The EM wave and the acoustic wave interact at the target. The target re-radiates a new EM wave which consists of the original EM wave modulated by the acoustic wave. This re-radiated wave is captured by the radar’s receive antenna. The presence of measurable EM energy at any discrete multiple of the audio frequency away from the original radio-frequency (RF) carrier indicates target detection. Detection is demonstrated for purely-metallic as well as for RF electronic targets at a distance of 10 ft.

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