Enhanced Ultrahigh Frequency SAR Imaging via Geometric Exploitation

Geometric or angular diversity can be exploited to significantly enhance ultrahigh frequency (UHF) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging performance, to capture target glints, to exploit highly directional specular returns, to achieve enhanced resolutions in both planar dimensions without increasing the radio frequency (RF) bandwidth, and to form three-dimensional (3-D) images using a large aperture and a steep grazing angle. These improvements are especially important for target detection and surveillance in foliage environments. Several key technical challenges, however, must be overcome to reap the benefits afforded by the geometric diversity. The first objective of this program is to develop effective and efficient high resolution UHF SAR imaging algorithms by exploiting the geometric diversity offered by the wide angle concept. The second objective of this program is to evaluate and test the performance of our algorithms using simulated and measured data available to us. The goal of these investigations is to determine the merits and limitations of the algorithms and to establish tradeoffs between coverage, resolution and target detection performance. We will develop a software-based demonstration system to demonstrate the technical feasibility and advantages of UHF SAR via exploiting geometry diversity and utilizing the proposed signal processing algorithms. BENEFIT: A successful Phase II effort will result in innovative high resolution SAR imaging algorithms, which will significantly enhance the performance of Air Force"s ability to detect and identify targets in foliage and other challenging conditions. The technologies we develop can be applied to many military and civilian radar applications, including Counter-Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C-ISR), Counter Airborne Improvised Explosive Device (C-AIED), persistent surveillance missions of UAV, domestic counter-terrorism efforts, boarder security, and drug trafficking.