Focusing Algorithm of Range Profile for Plasma-Sheath-Enveloped Target

Abstract

In this paper, a one-dimensional (1-D) range profile of the hypersonic target enveloped by a plasma sheath is investigated. Firstly, the non-uniform property of the plasma sheath is studied and its impact on the wideband electromagnetic (EM) wave is analyzed. A wideband radar echo model for the plasma-sheath-enveloped hypersonic target is constructed. Then, by exploiting the relationship among the incident depth, reflection intensity, and plasma velocity, it reveals that distinct scatter points in various areas of the target will suffer from varying reflection intensity and coupled velocity, leading to severe defocusing in the range profile. To tackle this issue, a novel focusing algorithm combing the Fractional Fourier Transform (FRFT) with the CLEAN technique is developed, which independently calculates the coupled plasma velocity and compensates for the phase error via a series of iterative procedures. Finally, the influence of the plasma sheath on the 1-D range profile and the effectiveness of the proposed focusing algorithm are validated through simulations.