Novel Signal Processing Techniques for Cost-Effective Enhancements of SAR Avionic Sensors

This project will develop a new class of affordable advanced airborne sensors based on innovative signal processing techniques applied to wideband radar and SAR imaging. As a case study, we consider the problem of classification and localization of buried objects such as metallic and non-metallic mines. However, this work is broadly applicable and represents an important step towards developing a suite of new avionic sensors to perform (eventually) long-distance surgical mapping of buried assets. This project will develop the requisite algorithms and demonstrate their performance with Navy supplied data. As an option, we will provide a prototype system design that can be built and tested in Phase II. Underscoring this effort are advanced high-order signal processing (HOSP) methods which are capable of increasing signal-to-noise/clutter ratios and enhancing SAR resolution, thus improving detection and localization of targets-of-interest. Recent results on material characterization obtained by MultiSpec using HOSP and ultra-wideband radar, will be adapted to this application framework. The Phase I objectives of this project are: (1) development of HOSP-based algorithms for SAR subsurface imaging and demonstration of enhanced performance in detection, and localization of closely spaced buried mines using synthetic data; (2) demonstration of the efficacy of these techniques with Navy-supplied data; (3) exploration of material characterization capabilities of these HOSP-based radar and SAR techniques; (4) prototype system design for implementation in Phase II (option).