Airborne SAR Imaging Algorithm for Ocean Waves Based on Optimum Focus Setting

Abstract

Ocean waves are the richest texture on the sea surface, from which valuable information can be inversed. In general, the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images of surface waves will inevitably be distorted due to the intricate motion of surface waves. However, commonly used imaging algorithms do not take the motion of surface waves into consideration. Therefore, surface waves on the obtained SAR images are rather blurred. To solve this problem, an airborne SAR imaging algorithm for ocean waves based on optimum focus setting is proposed in this paper. Firstly, in order to obtain the real azimuth phase speed of dominant wave, the geometric and scanning distortion in the blurred SAR image is calibrated. Subsequently, according to the SAR integration time and wavelength of the dominant wave, a proper focus setting variation section is selected. Afterwards, all the focus settings in this variation section are used to refocus the image, which are then compared to decide the optimum focus setting for dominant wave. Finally, by redesigning the azimuth matched filter using this optimum focus setting, a well-focused SAR image for the dominant wave can be obtained. The proposed algorithm is applied to both simulation and field data, and SAR images of surface waves are obtained. Furthermore, the obtained images are compared with those obtained with a zero-focus setting. The comparison shows that the focus of surface waves is significantly improved, which verifies the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Finally, how to choose the appropriate focus setting variation section under different parameters and the applicability of the algorithm are analyzed.