High resolution digital radar imaging of rotating objects

This dissertation is devoted to the imaging aspect of the problem of obtaining high resolution images of practical radar targets with digital processing techniques. The motion compensation aspect of the problem is also briefly described. A multi-frequency stepped (MFS) radar is assumed and the Fourier transform relationship between the data (dimensioned in aspect angle and signal frequency) and the target reflectivity function is derived in both 2-D and 3-D forms. Assuming that the data is available for 360 deg aspect angle and using wideband radar, a coherent digital processing method is developed which will give the best possible resolution. Such a situation occurs when the target makes a complete turn. It is found that for such an imaging system the resolution is inversely proportional to the mean carrier frequency if such frequency is large compared to the signal bandwidth. In the case when the data is undersampled in range or aspect angle or both, a modified coherent digital signal processing technique is described that will get around such difficulty. It is found that the modified processing method gives poorer resolution but is better than either the mixed processing method or the incoherent processing method. The latter two processing techniques are also described in this dissertation. Experimental results are also presented and problems with real targets such as shadowing, glint, and scintillation are discussed.