High Resolution Radar Imaging

The goal of this project is to formulate and investigate new approaches for forming images of radar targets from spotlight-mode, delay- doppler measurements. These measurements could be acquired with a high- resolution radar-imaging system operating with an optical-or radio-frequency carrier. Two approaches are under study. The first is motivated by an image- reconstruction algorithm used in radionuclide imaging called the confidence- weighted algorithm here, we will refer to this approach as the chirp-rate modulation approach. The second approach is based on more fundamental principles which starts with a mathematical model that accurately describes the physics of an imaging radar-system and then uses statistical-estimation theory with this model to derive processing algorithms we will refer to this as the estimation- theory approach. Progress during this reporting period has been made on 1 extending the estimation-theory approach to include a constraint on input signal-to-noise ratio 2 extending the estimation-theory approach to include a sieve constraint for stabilizing image estimates, 3 extending the estimation- theory approach to include a specular or glint component in the radar-echo data 4 analyzing the performance of the estimation-theory approach through computer simulations and 5 modifying the chirp-rate modulation approach through the introduction of the Wigner-Ville distribution. A patent was awarded associated with the chirp-rate modulation approach. A copy of the patent is bound into this report.