Polarization Modulation for Application in Terahertz Sensing

Abstract

Providing defense against asymmetric threats under many di erent environmental conditions requires broad spectrum sensing and presently underutilized polarization sensitivity. In this thesis a novel pulsed radar sensing modulation scheme is proposed, exploiting pseudorandomly switching polarization and polarity. The scheme was designed for use in the terahertz (THz) regime while a scale model demonstration has provided encouraging results. Polarization sensitivity and ranging exceeding the pulsed radar range ambiguity limit have been achieved. Further, it has been shown that multiple transmitters can operate simultaneously using di erent PRBS with receiver rejection at the experiment noise oor. Antenna improvements have been investigated with suggestions provided for THz implementation. Finally, a novel demodulation algorithm is outlined that would enable demodulation in the THz regime while also characterizing an object's RCS over frequency and polarization.