Abstract
Processing of squinted SAR spotlight data is a challenge because of the significant range migration effects of the raw data over the coherent aperture time. Although in theory the ()-algorithm takes care of these aspects, its digital implementation requires a time-consuming interpolation step. Moreover, the limited precision of this interpolation can introduce distortions at the edges of the final image especially for squinted geometries. A wave number domain processing using a modified Stolt mapping will be developed and analyzed to enhance the quality of the final SAR image. Additionally, the proposed algorithm has a decreased computational load compared to the original ()-algorithm. Simulation results will validate the focusing and efficiency performances of the modified wave number domain algorithm.
Highlights
The atmospheric penetration and long-range capabilities of a synthetic aperture radar (SAR), combined with its high resolution, have made SAR imaging a favored approach for providing twenty-four hour all weather detection and recognition at “safe” standoff ranges
In order to process raw data acquired in a spotlight operating mode with a stripmap mode processing algorithm, these data have to be organized in an (X, Y ) grid
The values of the platform related parameters correspond to the characteristics of a high-altitude longendurance (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) such as the Global Hawk
Summary
The atmospheric penetration and long-range capabilities of a synthetic aperture radar (SAR), combined with its high resolution, have made SAR imaging a favored approach for providing twenty-four hour all weather detection and recognition at “safe” standoff ranges. Other algorithms work on a (range, azimuth angle) grid and can be classified as the pure spotlight mode processing algorithms, given the nature of spotlight data acquisition in a polar format. As a result the range migration over the coherent aperture time as well as the change in range migration across the scene will be important, which makes processing of this kind of data challenging. These effects get even stronger when the squint angle increases, so in particular for a squinted spotlight operation mode, a high quality processor is mandatory
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