Modeling of synthetic-aperture radar in X and P-band

Abstract

Synthetic-aperture radar is usually a complex software and hardware system. It allows obtaining images in radio range, comparable in resolution with optical systems. The advantage of radio waves is that the images are of high quality, despite cloudiness and dark time. The development of algorithms for such systems is a rather complex process. Mathematical modeling applied in purpose to reduce costs. In this paper, we give an overview of early created systems. We discuss the methods for calculating the scattered electromagnetic field. We choose methods that are most suitable for simulating a synthetic aperture radar. Combination of different approximation methods allows us to process large scenes. We take into account the various effects that arise when propagating radio waves. Also, we describe algorithms for a synthesis of radar images. In particular, we consider range-migration algorithm and time-frequency processing algorithm. We show that the frequency-time processing algorithm is preferable for synthesis a radio image in the X-band due to its speed. In opposite, the range-migration effect in P-band is too strong to ignore it. The time-frequency algorithm gives not focused image with serious artifacts. It is better to use the range-migration algorithm for P-band.