High resolution scatterometer based on vector network analyzer

For a scatterometer, based on the Hp8520c vector network analyzer, used for high resolution radar clutter measurements, the system parameters must be redesigned to fulfill the request. A relationship exists among the range resolution, minimum ambiguous range and sample point number, and the scope of parameters is limited, so a tradeoff must be considered. At the same time, as the range resolution increases, the illuminated area reduces and the return echo power falls, so the equipment sensitivity or the maximum range must be consider too. The design procedure is introduced. A sea clutter measurement has been done by this project. It is found that the scattering coefficient at 1 GHz bandwidth is greater than that at 0.2 GHz bandwidth when the grazing angle is less than 10°. The preliminary results show that the project for high resolution is viable.