Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Lincoln Laboratory have created a new radar technology that will allow humans to see through a solid wall by emitting frequency waves at a low-power microwave signal. According to project leader Dr. Gregory Charvat, the technology was conceived with the idea that it would be used by U.S. soldiers in urban combat situations.
The device measures approximately 8.5 feet long and consists of an array of eight signal-receiving antennas and 13 signal-transmitting antennas. The antennas and additional equipment are mounted on a movable cart placed at a range of 15 to 40 feet from the observation location. The device emits “frequency waves at a low-power microwave signal” that is partially absorbed when it hits a wall. The tiny portion of signal that travels through the wall “identifies” the object located behind the wall and passes back through the wall to the radar’s receivers. Currently, only moving images can be detected.
The researchers are currently working on a detection algorithm to better clarify received images on the display monitor. The team’s hope is for soldiers to mount the device inside of a vehicle and use it as a “sort of” command center for urban tactical operations.
