Scene characterization using sub-aperture polarimetric SAR data analysis

In this paper is introduced a fully polarimetric sub-aperture analysis method. A deconvolution technique is developed in order to decompose synthesized SAR images into sub-aperture data sets which correspond to the scene global response observed under different azimuthal look angles. A polarimetric variation analysis is achieved, using pertinent parameters, to determine the nature of the non-stationary scattering mechanisms. A statistical analysis of the polarimetric parameters permits to clearly discriminate the media showing a varying behavior during the SAR integration. Decomposition and analysis techniques are applied to data acquired by the DLR airborne E-SAR sensor at L band.