Multi-frequency, polarimetric interferometry results from a SWaP limited SAR

Multiple frequencies and polarizations each provide unique information about a target area. Additional information about the height distribution of scatterers is available when combined with coherent multi-channel processing techniques such as interferometry. With traditional SAR systems multi-frequency, multi-polarization, and/or multi-channel operation is usually only available for large, very expensive systems. This paper presents experimental results from the compact, inexpensive, multi-frequency band, multi-polarization, multi-channel SlimSAR. The theory of polarimetric interferometry (PolInSAR) is briefly presented along with the challenges specific to a small airborne system conducting PolInSAR collections.