Michigan Tech Research Institute (MTRI)

Ground Penetrating RADAR (GPR)

We offer state-of-the-art capabilities in subsurface (ice/soil) RADAR measurements in a man-portable, multi-static, FM-CW testbed systems.

RADAR equipment on a blue sled.
Wide view of a glacier.

Research and Development

  • We test different GPR designs for ice penetration and sub-surface imaging.
  • We determine the electrical characteristics of concrete cores for studying weathering effects and moisture retention.
  • We measure custom GPR antenna characteristics.
 Application/Research/Education Area Test Bed Sensor Requirements
Ice Penetration Glaciology
  • Low frequency for deep penetration
  • Transportable via helicopter to remote sites
Underground Water Flow
  • Doppler processing to detect moving water
  • Field-deployable
  • Multi-static capable
3D Underground Imaging
  • Multi-static
  • Field-deployable, portable
Non-Destructive Testing
  • Sensitive, multi-frequency lab measurements
Foliage/Biomass Measurement
  • Multi-frequency data collection for parameter estimation
  • Field-deployable, portable
Soil Moisture/Salt Intrusion Measurement
  • Multi-frequency data collection for parameter estimation
  • Field-deployable, portable
Permafrost Imaging/Characterization
  • Multi-static
  • Man-portable, field-deployable
Avalanche/Mine Rescue
  • Man-portable, field-deployable
  • Doppler processing detect movement
Signal/Imaging Processing, RADAR System Design, Compressive Sensing Research
  • Programmable transmit frequencies
  • Multi-static, multi-channel
  • Reconfigurable

RADAR image showing red spots on a blue background.