High range resolution using a Wigner distribution deconvolution algorithm

To achieve high range resolution of scatterers, radar systems transmit wideband signals. This paper presents a new technique for resolving scatterers using a narrowband transmitted waveform. This technique exploits the fact that the spectrum of the returned signal is the product of the spectrum of the transmitted signal and the Fourier transform of the impulse response of the target. The range profile of the target is determined using the Wigner distribution of the transmitted and received signals in a deconvolution algorithm. It is shown that the achievable resolution of scatterers in range by this method is well beyond the conventional range resolution of the transmitted signal.