In this paper, we demonstrate the feasibility of microwave holographic imaging application based on spintronic microwave sensors. By adapting the rapid phase detection technique, a magnetic tunnel junction can achieve a real-time measurement of both the amplitude and phase of the scattered microwave using a lock-in amplifier. The built system has a capability to detect not only the existence of the concealed objects but also their shapes, allowing the concealed threat to be distinguished along with other hidden objects. The system is also able to estimate the distance of target by a broadband measurement. Anticipating the phase-detection of the dielectric function of the targets, we have also carried out extensive density functional theory calculations for a number of condensed phase energetic materials to determine their dielectric response in the microwave range.

Date Published: 14 May 2015
PDF: 10 pages
Proc. SPIE 9454, Detection and Sensing of Mines, Explosive Objects, and Obscured Targets XX, 945406 (14 May 2015); doi: 10.1117/12.2177689

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9454:
Detection and Sensing of Mines, Explosive Objects, and Obscured Targets XX
Steven S. Bishop; Jason C. Isaacs, Editor(s)