Detecting the number of targets in spatially colored noise using sampled aperture radars

The detection of an unknown number of multiple targets with unknown directions using array processing is investigated. A noncoherent pulsed radar with an array antenna is assumed. Two criteria for estimating the number of targets, based on information theoretic and eigendecomposition-based ideas that assume a known noise covariance, are described briefly. Simulation results showing the performance of the criteria together with an estimate of the noise covariance obtained from reference noise samples in an environment with a spatially colored noise background are given