Exploration and Implementation of MIMO mm-Wave Computational Imaging with a non-Planar Origami Surface

Abstract

We present a system for performing computational imaging using metasurface antennas excited in the 17-27 GHz range (K-Band). 22 antennas are placed on a flexible piece of origami and divided into 11 transmitters (Tx) and 11 receivers (Rx). Each combination of Tx and Rx is excited once and the S21 parameter is measured at 401 points along the specified range. Using our measured data, a far-field model of the antenna, and an understanding of the physical positions of antennas, we are successfully able to reconstruct copper strips of 2 cm at a standoff of 35 cm with the antennas are dispersed over an area of 48 x 64 cm. We complete a near-field scan of the antenna, develop the hardware for running the imaging measurements, and present work done to mathematically model the position and orientation of antennas being used in imaging. Our overall imaging results open up opportunities for future work in using the origami to achieve non-planar arrangements of the antennas for superior imaging.