A problem with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is that, due to the poor penetrating action of electro- magnetic waves inside solid bodies, the capability to observe inside distributed targets is precluded. Under these conditions, imaging action is provided only on the surface of distributed targets. The present work describes an imaging method based on the analysis of micro-movements on the Khnum- Khufu Pyramid, which are usually generated by background seismic waves. The results obtained prove to be very promising, as high-resolution full 3D tomographic imaging of the pyramid’s interior and subsurface was achieved. Khnum-Khufu becomes transparent like a crystal when observed in the micro-movement domain. Based on this novelty, we have completely reconstructed internal objects, observing and measuring structures that have never been discovered before. The experimental results are estimated by processing series of SAR images from the second-generation Italian COSMO-SkyMed satellite system, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed method.
In this paper we have shown how it is possible to use SAR micro-motion Doppler tomography in an advantageous, economical, non-invasive and rapid way to make a valid contribution in the study of the structure of ancient megalithic monuments such as the pyramid of Khnum-Khufu. We are aware that only by confirmation on the field of our findings can we validate our hypothesis. However it seemed logical to provide a hypothetical interpretation based on the data we collected that could serve as a starting point for future research. In the near future we would like to extend the SAR methodology to the investigation of the internal structure of other important monuments of the Giza plateau.