Detection in Gamma-Distributed Nonhomogeneous Backgrounds

We propose a new technique for target detection in RADAR range-Doppler maps in the presence of nonhomogeneous backgrounds with gamma-distributed fluctuations. This technique is based on a cell-averaging (CA) constant false alarm rate (CFAR) detection test for which the ratio threshold and the set of values involved in the detection test are adaptively optimized in order to improve the false alarm regulation and the detection probability in nonhomogeneous backgrounds. This technique is compared with standard detection techniques on a synthetic range-Doppler map which demonstrates the relevance of the proposed approach in nonhomogeneous gamma-distributed backgrounds.