Pulsed energy maximization applied to target discrimination

Possible applications of pulsed energy maximization to target identification are investigated. The analysis uses a procedure in which the energy received from the target within a specified time duration is maximized. The maximization, if performed for an appropriate target angle and duration, yields a waveform that produces an aspect-independent zero response in the late time. This waveform can then be used to discriminate targets with a nonzero late-time response without the need to determine target singularities. As an illustration of the method, the procedure is formulated for a canonical radar system and a thin-cylinder target, and numerical results are presented.<>