Improved ambiguity estimation using a modified fractional radon transform

Ambiguity estimation is critical for the positioning of a moving target truly. Traditional real-value Radon transform (RRT) has been used to estimate the slope of target´s trajectory such that the ambiguity number can be derived. However, the unknown azimuth velocity of the target makes it difficult to determine the ambiguity number because the quadratic range cell migration (QRCM) caused by the platform velocity reduces the sensitivity of the RRT in the estimation. Also, the RRT does not work well when the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is low. Here, a method that uses the second-order Keystone transform (SOKT) to eliminate the QRCM and the modified fractional Radon transform (MFrRT) to estimate the ambiguity number was proposed. The method was simple and applicable in the low-SNR situation. Implementation considerations were presented. Finally, the effectiveness of the method has been shown using simulated and acquired synthetic aperture radar datasets.