Polarimetric detection of objects buried in snowpack by a synthetic aperture FM-CW radar

Presents experimental results of polarimetric detection of objects buried in a natural snowpack by a synthetic aperture FM-CW radar. First, the principle of polarimetric imaging in the Co- and Cross(X)-pol radar channels is outlined based on the scattering matrix and the characteristic polarization states for a specific target. Then, polarimetric measurements were carried out to detect objects buried in a natural snowpack 230 cm deep. The targets included two orthogonally placed metallic plates, an ice layer within the snowpack, and a human body. It is shown that the polarimetric FM-CW radar clearly enhances target signatures and that it serves to significantly improve detection in snowpack. Several polarimetric detection results are displayed, demonstrating the potential capability of characteristic polarization imaging and the usefulness of FM-CW radar