The complex permittivity of adobe is measured using a coaxial probe system verses frequency (1 GHz to 4 GHz) and moisture content (0% to 6%). Measurements are performed using adobe samples collected from abode bricks. The variation of the adobe complex permittivity verses frequency is measured at discrete levels of moisture content using small adobe samples exposed to controlled levels of constant humidity in an environmental chamber. The typical moisture content profile verses depth for an adobe brick is also determined. It is shown that notable changes in material properties verses depth in the adobe wall results from moisture content variation in the adobe brick. Using the characterization of the adobe material, the application of Through-the-Wall Radar Imaging (TWRI) is considered for adobe walls. Matched illumination waveforms are derived, and the effects of optimal transmission waveforms are presented to illustrate the necessity of accurate material characterization for enhancement of TWRI applications. The results presented include simulation of an object located behind an adobe wall as well as experimental measurements taken in an anechoic chamber of an object located behind a wall section composed of adobe bricks. It is shown that enhanced TWRI performance may be obtained when utilizing knowledge of a material’s dielectric properties verses frequency and moisture level by reducing the amount of two-way attenuation of a radar waveform through waveform shaping techniques such as matched illumination waveform design.
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