Interpolation Free Wide Nonlinear Chirp Scaling Algorithm for Spaceborne Stripmap Range Sweep SAR Imaging

Abstract

The spaceborne stripmap range sweep synthetic aperture radar (SAR) (SS-RSSAR) is a new-concept SAR mode proposed to efficiently image regions of interest (ROI) squinted with respect to satellite orbit. The most distinct feature of the SS-RSSAR is the beam sweeping in the elevation for continuous squinted ROI illumination. A wide nonlinear chirp scaling algorithm (WNLCSA) has been proposed to directly implement image formation along the ROI spreading direction. However, the algorithm efficiency is limited due to its time-consuming time-domain interpolation. In this letter, a new interpolation free WNLCSA (IF-WNLCSA) is proposed for more efficient SS-RSSAR imaging by substituting the interpolation with a much faster chirp scaling approach. Different from the interpolation, the chirp scaling induces additional range migration and Doppler modulation, both of which, however, are neglected due to their weak influences on imaging. The derivation of the chirp scaling is presented in detail, followed by the analyses on the algorithm accuracy and efficiency. The presented approach is evaluated by both the point- and extended-target simulations.