Optimization method versus E-pulse method in the context of target discrimination

A comparison of the optimization method and the extinction-pulse (E-pulse) method for target discrimination is presented. The performances of the two methods are evaluated for idealized data as well as experimental data from scaled-model targets. Although both methods use the late-time response to discriminate targets, the discriminant waveform is synthesized differently; from the target pole singularities in the E-pulse method, and from an energy maximization in the optimization method. Responses from waveforms synthesized using calculated wire data and laboratory measured data are presented, and the early-time energy confinements produced by the two methods are found to be generally comparable. The robustness of the optimization and E-pulse methods in the presence of noise is demonstrated by results for calculated and measured data.