Nonlinear k-space mapping method for SAR Fourier imaging

A method for nonlinear mapping of k-space samples to facilitate the two-dimensional irregular to regular resampling required by the polar format algorithm (PFA) is presented. Mapping the locations of the collected k-space samples to a uniform rectangular grid and desired locations covering the data region, the interpolation becomes separable in two-dimensions. Resulting PFA images require no further processing to be displayed in the global X, Y coordinates and use all the collected data. This method of resampling allows PFA image formation from bistatic synthetic aperture radar (SAR,) and also data collected from irregular flight paths.