Synthetic aperture radar visualization

We investigate methods for two-dimensional and three-dimensional reconstruction of objects from radar backscatter measurements taken over wide angles. Radar backscattering is characterized by several variables: object location, complex amplitude, polarization and the aspect (azimuth and elevation) of the interrogating sensor. This high-dimensional data is typically projected into a two-dimensional image. As next-generation radar systems become increasingly capable, the assumptions and algorithms for traditional imaging need to be reconsidered. We propose new imaging techniques that accommodate limited persistence scattering on objects and use these techniques to develop two-dimensional and three-dimensional object reconstructions from wide-aperture radar measurements. Finally, we explore phase and polarization stability of scattering centers at the high resolutions afforded by wide-angle apertures.