The Mitre Corporation

Nicholas C Donnangelo

Alexander V Mamishev

David Gervais

Joseph J Rushanan

Walter S Kuklinski

Christophe F Bas

Marvin D Drake

Systems and methods are provided for remotely identifying and classifying materials based on their respective complex permittivity features. Materials of interest to be identified in later inspections are cataloged according to their respective complex permittivity features by applying electromagnetic fields to them and determining their complex permittivity features. That library of features is used to compare field measurements taken during an inspection to determine the presence of a material of interest and to identify it.

Classifying and identifying materials based on permittivity features

Substantially identical numerical sequences known only to stations A and B are generated in a manner not subject to duplication by an eavesdropper and not subject to cryptanalytic attack because they are not derived using a mathematical function (such, as for example, factoring). The sequences are independently derived utilizing a physical phenomena that can only be 'measured' precisely the same at stations A and B. Signals are simultaneously transmitted from each station toward the other through a communication channel having a characteristic physical property capable of modifying the signals in a non-deterministic way, such as causing a phase shift. Each signal is 'reflected' by the opposite station back toward its station of origin. The effect of the communication channel is &#x201c;measured&#x201d; by comparing original and reflected signals. Measured differences are quantized and expressed as numbers.

Generating identical numerical sequences utilizing a physical property and secure communication using such sequences

Techniques for imaging a search region to detect a dielectric target include placing multiple electrodes outside the search region. At least two electrodes are activated independently of each other. Emitter circuits are connected to corresponding emitter electrodes. Each emitter circuit is configured for using its emitter electrode to produce an electric field with wavelength longer than about one hundred meters. Receiver circuits are connected to corresponding receiver electrodes. Each receiver circuit is configured for using its receiver electrode to measure a property of an electric field produced, at least in part, by an emitter electrode. A processor determines a property of a dielectric target inside the search region based on measurements from the receiver circuits using a subset of the emitter circuits. Among other uses, these techniques allow humans to be detected inside building-size regions, even when hidden by visually opaque blocking material of small dielectric constant.

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Purcellville, VA, United States of America

Nicholas C Donnangelo