Application of tilt modulation of the scatter cross-sections to distinguish between different non-Gaussian rough surfaces: unified full wave approach

Abstract

Abstract The tilt modulations of the like- and cross-polarized cross-sections for arbitrarily oriented resolution cells are determined using the unified full-wave approach. A broad family of non-Gaussian rough surfaces characterized by the gamma surface height probability density functions of order K are considered. Furthermore a Pearson-Moskowitz surface height spectral density function is assumed for the sea surface. The surface height autocorrelation function is also assumed to be non-Gaussian. An arbitrarily oriented mean plane associated with the resolution cell is characterized by tilt angles in and perpendicular to a fixed reference plane of incidence. The ‘tilt modulation’ of the scattering cross-sections is determined as functions of the wavelength of the incident field 𝛌0 and the backscatter angle 0i 0. Each resolution cell represents the real (or synthetic) radar footprint. The size of the resolution cell, orientation, and the statistical characteristics of the non-Gaussian surface determine th...