Developing a Science-Based Design for an Optimum Polarimetric Radar Imaging System for Automatic Wake Detection Algorithms

During Phase I, a new method for wake detection from sea clutters, using the Doppler spectra of microwave radar with good spatial resolution will be proposed. Based on a different physical nature of microwave scattering from objects with different 2Dspace-time coherence scale, a multifunctional algorithm for wake detection will be proposed and tested in a laboratory wave / flow tank. A difference in 2D space-time coherence scale for different sources of scattering will be the major objective for this study. Both the modified microwave Doppler radar and the laser slope gauge in the wave tank will be used in the course of Phase I. Alaboratory modeling during Phase I should reveal the main concept of detection and prepare basic algorithm design for Phase II. During Phase II pulse, microwave Doppler radar with good spatial resolution (or SAR), equipped by new algorithm, should provide a comprehensive test of efficiency of detection under real sea conditions with different types of moving submerged objects.Difference in polarimetric parameters of scattered signals, particularly from free traveling breaking waves and breaking waves, produced by wake, as well as the fine structure of their Doppler spectra, will be included in this study. The successful innovative sensor design will provide significant new information regarding the physical sources of ocean surface manifestations. As such, the system will be of utility not only for the Navy's and U.S. Coast Guard operations but also forfishing vessels, for oil explorations, for various functions in oceanography, for the location of oil and gas seeps in the ocean environment, for operations in shoal area environments, and for other remote sensing functions which require insights into thesub-surface environment.