Spectral Characteristics of Radar Target Returns in Clutter,
Abstract
The results of further investigation into the possibility of resolving radar targets in clutter, using spectral approach, are described. Characteristics of back-scatter returns by ground-clutter scatterers consisting of seven non-resonant scatterers are examined in the frequency domain. It is seen that, when the scatterers are of equal magnitude and are equally spaced in range, the returns, in the frequency domain, are characterized by lobes of relatively high amplitude separated by gaps in frequency spectrum where the amplitude is relatively low. A mathematical analogy to the radiation pattern of an array antenna is pointed out. Three quasi-random ground-clutter models were designed, using tables of random digits. The returns from these models, measured in the frequency domain, were recorded and compared with the computed results. Taking into account the differences between the assumed conditions and the conditions found at the range, the agreement is found satisfactory. Three cases of backscatter radar models consisting of one or two non-resonant target scatterers in quasi-random clutter models were investigated. As a result, it appears that the search for hidden target scatter may be simplified if a searching pulse, with time delay varying linearly with time, is injected into the system. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 31, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0720851
Entities
People
- Alvin C. Wilson
- Herman V. Cottony
Organizations
- Institute for Telecommunication Sciences