USDOE Human Subjects Research Database, fiscal year 1995

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Project Identifier: LLNL-95-94-116

Project Title:

Personnel Detection and Imaging with Micropower Impulse Radar

Principle Investigator: Dr. Stephen G. Azevedo

Project started in: 1995

Fiscal Year 1995 Funding for Research on Human Subjects:

Project Funding Information:
Project received funding in Fiscal Year 1995.
Project used human subjects in Fiscal Year 1995.

Funding Sources:

DOE: Laboratory-Directed Research Development (LDRD)

Amount: $40,000 (Est.)
Comments:

The LDRD work included other efforts besides the human subjects work.

Information on Use of Human Subjects:

Project does not involve use of multiple protocols/subprojects.

IRB Review:
Type of Review: Full Board
Most Recent Approval: November 16, 1994
IRB Approval Number: 94-116

Number of Human Subjects in the Last Reporting Period for this Project: 1
(Reporting periods vary.)

Type of Human Subjects Involvement:

Other use of human subjects:

Low-power microwave radiation (radar) for detecting position of humans.

(a. Objectives, b. Methodology, c. Ionizing Radiation, Radioactive Substances, or Chemical Substances to which human subjects are exposed, d. Involvement of Human Subjects [d.1. procedures used, d.2. risks if any])

a. Objective:

Micropower radar pulses will be directed at human subjects from behind walls and other structures for the purpose of detecting and imaging the subjects and their motion. This type of radar imaging will provide the information necessary for law enforcement or military personnel to ascertain the location and movement of people in houses or buildings. Safety of law enforcement personnel may depend upon knowledge of a situation behind walls before surreptitious entry or hostage rescue. Such a device could be useful in these types of situations. Initial tests need to be performed to assess its capabilities.

b. Methodology:

1. Define experiment and review with subject, and ascertain the exposure levels. These levels will depend on distance from the radar (no less than 10 cm). Location of the experiments will vary in order to test different wall types and thicknesses, but will be in areas where the radar complies with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations.
2. Explain that there is no direct benefit to the subject.
3. Explain long-term benefit of experiment to subject: development of an imaging array for military and law enforcement.
4. Brief subject on proposed exposure levels, known safety standards and risks, and source of expert information on exposure (see the consent form and attachments).
5. Inform subject of maximum possible exposure in the event of a worst case equipment fault, and inform subject should a fault occur. The worst-case fault is described in the consent form.
6. Inform subject that no special exertion is needed and that no discomfort should occur.
7. Obtain signed and dated consent form.
8. Assign code to patient for data logging ID.
9. Conduct experiment. Generally, the experiment will involve placing the subject on the opposite side of a wall from the radar, and using the detection equipment to image his or her location and movement.

c. Ionizing Radiation, Radioactive Substances, or Chemical Substances: None.

d. Involvement of human subjects:

Only the external dimensions of large objects (people) and their motion will be scanned; imaging of internal body structure will not be performed in this experiment. Detection of cardio-pulmonary function will be attempted by measurement of small external body motions. In all cases, the radar transmitter and receiver will not come in contact with the subject. Tests will take place at various locations/buildings on-site at LLNL.