Resonance Based Target Recognition Using Ultrawideband Polarimetric Signatures

Automated target recognition based on resonances embedded in the ultrawideband transient signatures has been of significant research interest throughout the years. In most studies, targets are usually illuminated and measured using a linear polarized basis. This could lead to an incorrect result for target recognition as some resonant modes may not be well excited at that particular incident aspect and polarization state. In this communication, the possibility of using a full-polarimetric ultrawideband target signature is investigated. Target recognition of some simple wire targets using the extinction pulse technique demonstrate that it would be easier to fully excite all of the important resonances using a circular polarization basis with due consideration of the co- and cross-polarized target signatures.