M. Calamia

Potentials and Limitations of Moon-Borne SAR Imaging

Moon exploitation is among the next space mission priorities. Earth observation (EO), which is traditionally implemented on artificial lower Earth orbit satellites, can be, in principle, extended to the platform constituted by the natural Earth satellite. With this regard, we investigate the features related to the EO by a possible Moon-borne synthetic aperture radar system in terms of imaging characteristics and potential applications, as well as of expected limitations.

Dual-band dual polarization microstrip antenna

This paper describes the development of a multilayer dual-band dual-polarized antenna operating at L and C bands with a common aperture. Unlike earlier approaches, slot coupled patches are employed at both bands to reach cross-polarization suppression better than 30 dB. The antenna has been conceived to be used as a basic module in large series-fed arrays featuring light weight, high efficiency and beam scanning. Moreover, by properly scaling the geometry, the antenna can operate at any else pairs of frequencies with a ratio between 3.5-4.5.

A BMIA/nCAG formulation for the analysis of large stacked patch antennas

An efficient technique based on the extension of the Banded Matrix Iterative Approach (BMIA) to a non-canonical grid by using the Adaptive Integral Method (AIM) is presented for the analysis of stacked patch antennas of large dimensions. The patches can have arbitrary shape and orientation and are modeled by means of triangular elements.An efficient technique based on the extension of the banded matrix iterative approach (BMIA) to a BMIA not canonical grid (BMIA/nCAG) is presented for an efficient analysis of stacked patch antennas of large dimensions. The patches can have arbitrary shape and orientation and are modeled by means of triangular elements.

Analysis of soft and hard surfaces using a hybrid FEM/Floquet's mode technique

Artificially hard and soft surfaces, which are often used for their properties in radiating systems, are characterized by means of a hybrid technique which utilizes the finite element method (FEM) and an expansion of the electromagnetic field in terms of Floquets modes. This method is very efficient and allows the analysis of scattering from arbitrary periodic structures. No further difficulties arise in the formulation of the problem when the complexity of the structure is increased.<<ETX>>

Application of the FEM to the analysis of the electromagnetic scattering from complex periodic structures

A hybrid technique which combines the potentiality of the FEM in treating complex electromagnetic regions with the simplicity of the Floquet series has been presented. This results in a very powerful and flexible method for the analysis of periodic structures having arbitrary geometry and material properties.

Discovery of Electromagnetic Waves and Their Impact on Our Life-Style

The history of discovery of electromagnetic waves and its impact on our life style is presented in the framework of its historical context. Discovery of the relevant equations by James Clerk Maxwell are first commented, and the subsequent applications discussed: wired transmission of electric power, cable transmission of messages via telegraph and telephone, up to wireless propagation over the ground and via satellites. More recent preliminary experiments of wireless power transmission are also noted. We conclude with a conjecture about possible additional impacts of Maxwell’s discovery on the organization of our society.

A Radar Eye on the Moon: Potentials and Limitations for Earth Imaging

Among the next space missions goals the exploitation of the Moon, the natural Earth satellite, is gaining an increasing interest. Colonization of the Moon is along the usual track of human civilization and economic expansion; it is also related to a large number of scientiflc issues, including Earth Observation (EO). With respect to standard LEO satellite commonly used in remote sensing, Moon has speciflc features. In this work we analyze the potentials as well as the limitations related to active microwave remote sensing with Synthetic Aperture Radar in terms of imaging characteristics and potential applications.