Probability of Error And Radiometric Resolution for Target Discrimination in Radar Images

Statistical detection theory is used to compare different definitions of radiometric resolution for radar images. This comparison is based on the probability of error PE in assigning a return power to one of two targets. A general expression is derived for this probability of error as a function of target contrast and noncoherent averaging, and additive thermal noise. The change in detectable contrast (at a fixed PE) as a function of the thermal noise is also presented.