The use of a frequency domain stepped frequency technique to obtain high range resolution on the CSIR X-band SAR system

A novel frequency domain stepped frequency processing (FD-SFP) technique to obtain high radar range resolution was developed by A.J. Wilkinson in 1997. Range resolution is directly related to the measurement bandwidth of a radar system. The FD-SFP technique pieces together several sub portions of the target scene reflectivity spectrum to form a high resolution radar range return. This paper demonstrates the use of the FD-SFP algorithm on the CSIR X-band experimental SAR system (RoofSAR). Some issues arising in practical implementation of the technique are discussed. Results of using the technique on radar data recorded by the RoofSAR are presented. It is concluded that the technique provides a viable option for generating SAR imagery with high range resolution and an acceptable level of ghosting artifacts.