SAR imaging based upon nonswitchable antenna array and noise signals

The work is devoted to elaborating a new method for SAR image generating using noise/random signals and nonmoving & non-switching antenna array suggested in Lukin (2006). The main idea of that antenna array consists in the extraction from the total signal of one channel receiver the signals received by a single element of the array. This signals separation is based upon decorrelation properties of noise/random signals. Attractive advantages of the suggested antenna array and the method for SAR imaging consist in no need in either mechanical motion or electronic switching of the antenna array elements, which simplify its design and lower the cost. Analytical evaluations for main performance of such antenna array are given for its various implementations. The related SAR imaging algorithm is described in detail. Some results of computer modeling of SAR imaging using this antenna array are presented. Advantages and constraints of the method and array suggested are discussed.