Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR
Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR

Fraunhofer FHR-Newsletter 09/2024

Ladies and gentlemen, dear readers interested in the work of Fraunhofer FHR,

In our fourth newsletter, we would like to present three exciting projects from Fraunhofer FHR. These include the innovative avalanche monitoring using passive radar and Starlink satellites as illuminators, as well as the successful generation of high-resolution radar images of the Moon with the space observation radar TIRA. Another highlight is the person scanner, which enables the checking of crowds for hidden weapons.

We wish you an interesting read!

Best regards

Prof. Peter Knott  Prof. Dirk Heberling

Current Research Projects at Fraunhofer FHR

 

© Fraunhofer FHR / Diego Cristallini

Avalanche Monitoring with Passive Radar

To ensure safety in mountainous regions, reliable avalanche monitoring is essential. A feasibility study by Fraunhofer FHR highlights the advantages of passive radar over existing monitoring methods. The new satellite mega-constellations play a key role in this development.

more info
 

© Fraunhofer FHR

High-Resolution Radar Images of the Moon

The antenna of the TIRA tracking radar is 34 meters in size – yet still too small to resolve the surface of the Moon. Researchers at Fraunhofer FHR therefore utilized the movement of the Earth and the Moon to create a virtual antenna several hundred kilometers in size. The result: a high-resolution radar image of the Moon’s surface and – even more importantly – proof that the new radar system operates with great stability.

more info
 

© Fraunhofer FHR / Patrick Wallrath

Person Scanner Detects Hidden Weapons

Germany’s weapons laws are set to become stricter, especially concerning knives. However, enforcing these regulations presents challenges related to manpower. A security scanner developed by Fraunhofer FHR allows for the detection of hidden weapons in crowds – essentially while people walk by.

more info