Point-source location using a millimetre wave focal-plane array radar

The problem of point-source location using a multibeam focal-plane staring array radar is addressed. A maximum likelihood approach to position estimation is adopted and analytic expressions are derived for the error in position estimation due to noise as a function of the signal-to-noise ratio (in a high signal-to-noise ratio approximation) and as a function of the array configuration. These expressions are evaluated for different array arrangements (linear array, square grid and triangular grid). The implementation of a maximum likelihood position estimation algorithm in a particular experimental millimetre-wave staring array radar is described. The performance of the radar is predicted using the theoretical calculations and results of experiments are then compared with these predictions. Good agreement indicates that the theoretical analysis may be used as a design tool for focal-plane arrays