A POLYCHROMATIC RADAR,
Abstract
Extension of studies on terrain reflectivity have led to an investigation of the radar terrain cross sections as a function of the radiation wave length. The specific functional relationship between cross section and wave length depends on the type of the model one assumes. This suggests the possibility that different terrain surfaces may be distinguishable if one were to use several radar frequencies. At optical wave lengths, surfaces act as selective absorbers, hence they show characteristic color to the eye when illuminated with white light. If terrain surfaces act in a similar manner as selective absorbers at microwave frequencies, then this property, as well as the geometry of the surfaces, would result in a wave length dependence of the radar reflectivity. A multifrequency (polychromatic) radar is suggested as a piece of equipment which could be used on aircraft to aid in navigation. The exact wave-length dependence of a particular terrain type is converted into color on a color cathode ray tube. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 24, 1960
- Accession Number
- AD0627934
Entities
People
- Isadore Katz
- Lee M. Spetner
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory