Normalization and interpretation of radar images

Abstract

Calibrated radar images are often quantified as radar cross section. This interpretation, which is not strictly correct, can lead to misunderstanding of test target scattering properties. To avoid confusion, we recommend that a term such as "scattering brightness" (defined below) be adopted as a standard label for image-domain data.

RCS Diagnostic Imaging Using Parameter Extraction Technique of State Space Method

“…Next, we consider Mie series example pertinent to peak-value estimation of specular and creeping wave from PEC target using the SSM. According to the interpretation of radar image (Skinner et al, 1998), to study how RCS image of PEC sphere is formed and good approximation of elementary target by isotropic and nondispersive, we obtain scattering brightness form by one-dimensional downrange image since its RCS is approximately nondispersive.…”

“…where Es Ei represents the fixed phase of local scattering structure of target, which can be interpreted as SCMs (Skinner et al, 1998). Therefore, the scattering distribution function of point target can be described as RCS with different SCMs, the electrical field signal of echo can be expressed by…”

“…Thus, we can infer the scatterer imaging is proportional to the PSF of PEC sphere. To completely depict the characteristic of image, the scattering brightness (Skinner et al, 1998) discriminate to the RCS is more convenient to interpret the image. Thereby, the scattering brightness can be described by I(x) = 10log 10 (4π • P SF ) (29)…”

A Generalized Finite Sized Dipole Model for Radar and Medical Imaging Part I: Near Field Formulation for Radar Imaging - Abstract *

“…Failure to do so will account for inaccurate calculation of the RCS of the target. In [5] the misrepresentation of image domain data has been directly related to incorrect computation of RCS. The RCS can be calculated from image domain data if the scatterers are independent and nondirectional.…”

“…In practice the scatterers do not satisfy these conditions. A new term called 'scattering brightness' has been introduced instead of RCS in [5]. Since the elemental dipoles have a near isotropic radiation pattern and can be considered as independent scatterers, the images obtained using the method proposed in this paper could be used for RCS calculation in the near-field region.…”