Millimeter-wave radar imaging device and method

A millimeter-wave (mmW) imaging system, comprising:

• a mmW source configured to transmit mmW radiation to a target;
• and
• a mmW imaging device comprising:
• an array of up-converter elements configured to convert backscatter radiation received from the target directly to visible light, the up-converter array having a first surface and a second surface;
• a first focusing lens optically coupled to the first surface of the up-converter array and configured to direct backscatter radiation received from the target to the up-converter elements;
• an array of photodetectors, the photodetector array having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the photodetector array configured to receive visible light emitted by the up-converter elements, and the photodetector array configured to produce electrical signals indicative of an optical image of the target;
• an optical lens disposed between the second surface of the up-converter array and the first surface of the photodetector array, the optical lens configured to direct light emitted by the up-converter array to the array of photodetectors;
• a display comprising an array of display pixels coupled to the array of photodetectors, the display configured to convert electrical signals produced by the array of photodetectors to an optical image of the target;
• a decoder coupled to the array of photodetectors, the decoder configured to decode data encoded in the target configured as an RFID tag;
• and
• a housing configured for portability and hand-held manipulation by a user, the housing dimensioned to house at least the mmW imaging device, wherein the up-converter array, the first focusing lens, the photodetector array, the optical lens, and the display are axially aligned with one another along a common axis in the housing.