Analytical Characterization of Bistatic Scattering from Rough Surfaces: Dependence on Surface Correlation Function

Abstract

Abstract : Analyses of the statistical properties of electromagnetic scattering from random rough surfaces for finite clutter cells have assumed that the rough surface can be modeled by a Gaussian correlation function. However, some real surfaces are more accurately described by correlation functions other than Gaussian. In this study, the effect of decreasing the clutter cell size is examined for power law and exponential, as well as Gaussian correlation functions for a one dimensionally rough surface. Results obtained in this study show that for a Gaussian correlated surface and a surface described by a power law correlation the scattering statistics are similar and deviate significantly from Rayleigh with decreasing cell size, particularly in the backscatter region. For exponentially correlated surfaces, however, the statistics of the scattering are not changed when the cell size is decreased. This is important because urban areas are described by an exponential correlation function. Correlation function, Gaussian correlation, Rayleigh scattering, Exponential correlation, Bistatic scattering, Power law correlation, Scattering facets.