Radar target identification by histogram analysis of resonant frequencies

A novel technique is presented for isolating the late-time resonant frequencies of specific radar targets using statistical analysis of repeated target scattering responses. Through the application of techniques for multimodal histogram analysis, dominant resonant frequency patterns for simulated and measured targets are developed to provide a reliable basis for identification regardless of target orientation, even in the presence of significant noise. Results are demonstrated for a practical target identification application that arises in underground coal mining.