SAR Imaging with Noise Radar

Abstract

Two ground-based coherent imaging systems designed on the basis of noise radar technology (NRT) using continuous waveform with a linear synthetic aperture and pulse coherent noise waveform with a circular synthetic aperture are presented. A short description of noise waveform synthetic aperture radar (SAR) theory and data processing algorithms are given. Experimental results obtained show that the quality of the imagery is comparable to that of frequency-modulation continuous-wave (FMCW) or stepped frequency radar systems. Experimental validation of the technique at different locations provides confidence in the ability of noise waveform SAR to achieve high-resolution imaging at low cost. The exploitation of the interferometric phase combining pairs of images spaced in time is shown to allow the detection of displacements in the scene with a submillimeter accuracy.