Publications

RF toxicity and Information Warfare (IW) are becoming omnipresent posing threats to the protection of nuclear assets, and within theatres of hostility or combat where tactical operation of wireless communication without detection and interception is important and sometimes critical for survival. As a result, a requirement for deployment of many security systems is a highly secure wireless technology manifesting stealth or covert operation suitable for either permanent or tactical deployment where operation without detection or interruption is important The possible use of ultra wideband (UWB) spectrum technology as an alternative physical medium for wireless network communication offers many advantages over conventional narrowband and spread spectrum wireless communication. UWB also known as fast-frequency chirp is nonsinusoidal and sends information directly by transmitting sub-nanosecond pulses without the use of mixing baseband information upon a sinusoidal carrier. Thus UWB sends information using radar-like impulses by spreading its energy thinly over a vast spectrum and can operate at extremely low-power transmission within the noise floor where other forms of RF find it difficult or impossible to operate. As a result UWB offers low probability of detection (LPD), low probability of interception (LPI) as well as anti-jamming (AJ) properties in signal space. This paper analyzes and compares the vulnerability of UWB to narrowband and spread spectrum wireless network communication.

A 2D-Laser Radar Imaging System consisting of a prototype 2D-Laser Radar Sensor and an Image Processing System is currently being developed as an intrusion detection system capable of immediate detection and quick assessment for perimeter security and surveillance. The objective of this system is to produce a thin laser wall as an invisible intrusion barrier. Since only a small space is needed to create a narrow laser radar wall, this system will work well where there is only limited or narrow zones available to create the secure perimeter. Images are created of objects which penetrate the laser radar wall for assessment and to determine the appropriate alarm response. Such a system can be used to protect against airborne threats from rooftop areas or to guard against ground threats across perimeter zones of critical facilities. This paper will discuss the operational concepts, the technology, and an initial performance of this prototype system. 2 refs., 6 figs.