An integrated millimeter wave radar system for the measurement of particle streams

• Applicants: Professor Dr.-Ing. Michael Höft; Professor Dr.-Ing. Nils Pohl
• Subject Area: Communication Technology and Networks, High-Frequency Technology and Photonic Systems, Signal Processing and Machine Learning for Information Technology ; Electronic Semiconductors, Components and Circuits, Integrated Systems, Sensor Technology, Theoretical Electrical Engineering
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 495198532

The characterization of particle streams is important in different areas. A central topictoday is the high level of particulate matter in cities, which is largely caused by combustion processes in industry, traffic and households. Particles with an aerodynamic diameter of no more than 10 micrometres (PM10) are classified as particulate matter. In addition to local atmospheric particulate matter controls (e.g. at traffic junctions), it makes sense to carry out emission controls (e.g. at chimneys) directly at the source of the particulate matter in order to be able to intervene in a regulating manner already at the generation stage. Another important field of application is industrial process analysis, in which the metrological recording of smoke development or flow rate, for example, can be used for process optimization and control. Among other possible applications, volcanic research is also a conceivable scenario in which the resulting ash clouds are to be investigated with regard to their particle concentration and composition. Various measuring methods exist, each of which has advantages and disadvantages for certain applications. This proposal deals both in theory and in practice with sensors based on radar technology with integrated circuits in the high-frequency millimetre wave range at approx. 94 GHz and 300 GHz, which are able to characterize aerosol flows with regard to particle mass charge, particle velocity, mass flow rate, particle size and particle type. New concepts for multistatic operation using newly developed integrated circuits at 300 GHz will be investigated and experimentally tested. Based on the investigation of the scattering behaviour of particle streams, the aim is to find the optimal conditions for the arrangement of transmitter and receiver elements. In addition, new, powerful MMIC radar sensors based on silicon-germanium technology at 300 GHz are to be developed, which will be coupled together for coherent multistatic operation.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants