UC Santa Cruz

In this dissertation, we explore methods to combine multiple frequency Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) signals in a manner to improve the resolution of images of deeply buried targets. We propose using an optimization problem solver to combine multiple GPR frequency scans over the same area to improve image resolution. First, we discuss GPR basics. Second, we report on a method to simulate GPR radar scans over any type of terrain, any frequency, and any target depth for use in our study of GPR compositing methods. Third, we define an optimization problem solver, exploring its capability to achieve reasonable results as well as propose a figure of merit for the best solution measurement tool. In comparing the optimization problem solver result to methods previously explored in the literature, detailed by Dougherty [8], then Booth [5][48] and finally Bancroft [3], we found our algorithm exhibits a meaningful improvement compared to the named methods. As an extension, we explored comparing scans from various heights using the optimization problem solver method with a Chirp excitation function at the same heights, finding edge detection improved with the response from the Chirp excitation function, but depth detection poorer than the optimization problem solver.