A dihedral corner reflector model for full polarization calibration of RCS measurements

It has generally been stated that the radar cross section (RCS) of a 90 degrees dihedral corner reflector oriented for maximum backscattered return to a radar is given by the expression sigma =8 pi a/sup 2/b/sup 2// lambda /sup 2/. Experimental results are presented which, according to the author, demonstrate that not only does the RCS of a dihedral corner reflector oriented for maximum backscattered return differ significantly from this value, but that high-range-resolution measurements of the dihedral can serve to identify the dominant contributors to the backscattered field. It is noted that inclusion of these backscattered components in an analytical calculation will allow an accurate calibration model to be generated.<>