Detection and location of buried structures using the electromagnetic impulsive methodologies (GPR) require the study of the spatial distribution of energy irradiated by an antenna into the ground and the mechanisms of wave propagation and scattering from relevant targets. Evaluation of the difference in wave field distribution in the ground with respect to free space can provide some useful indications on the propagation of the Geo-radar signal in the ground and the spatial resolution capability of the GPR method. For this reason, a research group, involving La Sapienza University, Rome and the National Research Council began, during 1992, to perform studies on antenna radiation pattern, the propagation and scattering phenomena of GPR. This paper presents the experimental set up and the obtained results on the antenna radiation pattern.
Experimental tests for characterization of GPR antenna patterns
