Polarimetric Interferometry
Abstract
This lecture presents the role of Polarimetry in SAR Interferometry. A general formulation for vector wave interferometry is presented that includes conventional scalar interferometry presented in the respective former lecture as a special case. Based on this formulation, the coherence optimization problem can be solved to obtain the optimum scattering mechanisms that lead to the best phase estimates. Comparison with conventional single-polarization estimates illustrates the significant processing gains that are possible if there is access to full polarimetric interferometric data. A comparison with conventional single-polarization presented in former lectures illustrates the significant processing gains that are possible if access to full polarimetric interferometric data is possible. The strong polarization dependence of the coherence will be addressed and the analytical solution for optimum polarization states that maximize the interferometric coherence will be derived and applied to experimental data. These improved interferogrammes allow an improvement of the accuracy of derived DEM products. The introduction of a new coherent decomposition theorem for interferometric applications based on the Singular value spectrum of a 3 x 3 complex matrix allows the decomposition of polarimetric interferometric problems into a set of coherent scattering mechanisms. As a consequence, it is possible to generate interferograms related to certain independent scattering mechanisms and extract the height differences between them.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA470690
Entities
People
- Martin Hellmann
- Shane R. Cloude
Organizations
- German Aerospace Center