Radar target signature evaluation using numerical deconvolution

In this paper a problem with radar image processing and target signature evaluation is examined. Using three dimensional images representing radar target cross section (RCS) and associated to each visible element of the target´s geometry it is possible to obtain an indication of target´s main scattering centers and of the target´s configuration by a tridimensional processing of the amplitude of received signal in function of range and azimuth parameters. When a Radar pulse propagates in the space and reflects from the surface of a target, convolution is the process that describes how the propagating X-band radio wave interacts with the target of observation and target´s main scattering centers. Deconvolution is an inverse filtering operation that attempts to remove the “smearing” effects of the Radar radiation pattern in order to better interpret targets profiles and structure. In this paper, the radar images are processed by using the returned radar signals and deconvolving them with the radar radiation pattern, depending on transmitted pulse and antenna beam. In this way it is possible to get reasonable estimates of target configuration, sizes, etc., and to identify targets with radar.