GPS Diffractive Reflectometry and Further Developments in SNR- and Phase-based GPS Multipath Reflectometry

The validation of remote sensing environmental estimates requires knowledge of their spatial extent and resolution. Here we consider coherent radio reflections routinely observed in ground-based GPS reflectometry. Their footprint is often conceptualized in terms of the specular point (SP) and the first Fresnel zone (FFZ). Such infinitesimal point and finite zone can be generalized into a spatially continuous sensitivity kernel (SK). The SK represents a diffraction pattern, as the importance of each surface portion depends on its power and phase scattering. We measured the SK of a GPS radio reflection under bi-path reception conditions. The SK exhibited oscillations along the plane of incidence. The envelope of oscillations peaked near the SP and persisted in its decay well beyond the FFZ. Within the FFZ, sensitivity was skewed towards the antenna. This experiment suggests the feasibility of overcoming the diffraction limit and resolving features smaller than the FFZ via GPS diffractive reflectometry. We also report more recent developments in SNR- and carrier-phase-based GPS Multipath Reflectometry.