ABSTRACT

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents principles needed for understanding ultrawideband (UWB) radar concepts and their potential capabilities and provides a basis for further investigation, design, analysis, and fabrication. It discusses Fourier and Laplace transform analytical techniques and applications and limitations of Fourier and Laplace transforms. The book gives an introduction to signal synthesis using photoconductive switches to generate UWB signals. Photoconductive switches are another approach to generating high power electromagnetic impulses. It describes new approaches to transmitting and receiving impulse signals called the large-current radiator and loop sensor antennas. The book also provides an introduction to UWB coded pulse waveform array antennas and provides practical theory for array antenna design. It also describes the results of applying higher order signal processing to impulse signals reflected from steel plates, radar-absorbing material and clutter materials.