Wavefront-based synthetic aperture radar signal processing

This paper is concerned with the processing of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data, using Gabor's theory of wavefront reconstruction [9]. In the framework of this theory, multidimensional digital signal processing algorithms have been developed for accurate and computationally-efficient analysis of SAR data via a single or multi processor computer. This paper exhibits the utility of the SAR wavefront signal theory and its associated digital algorithms in addressing the practical information processing issues that are encountered in high-resolution and/or specialized SAR systems. We present results from two modern SAR systems. One system is the United States Navy P-3 ultra wideband UHF stripmap SAR that is intended for imaging man-made targets hidden under foliage (FOliage PENetrating, FOPEN, SAR). The other system is a high-resolution X-band spotlight SAR that is operated in an along-track monopulse, mode (single transmitter and dual receivers) for Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI).