Two-dimensional SAR imaging using linear arrays with transverse motion

The authors present a novel two-dimensional SAR (synthetic aperture radar) imaging technique using DFT (discrete Fourier transform) processing of linear arrays with transverse motion operating in the sequential mode (DFTSQM). High resolution images are generated without the need of range gating. Multiple target detection is performed on the basis of angular (azimuth and elevation) coordinates. No phase shifting or tapering hardware is required. Computer simulation and an example show the impulse invariance, and indicate that the new system´s performance is better than standard SAR processing. The duration of the transmitted pulse can be increased substantially because range resolution does not depend on bandwidth. It follows that the average transmitted power is increased, which improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the system. In addition, the receiver and display devices can operate with a narrower bandwidth, which results in a major cost reduction