Implementation of fully polarimetric random noise radar

A heterodyne correlation receiver technique has been developed for coherent processing of backscatter data acquired by a radar system transmitting ultrawideband (UWB) random noise waveforms. In such a receiver, the reflected signal is correlated with a time-delayed and frequency-shifted version of the transmitted waveform, which is able to provide the phase of the reflected waveform. We describe the implementation of fully polarimetric capability in a coherent random noise radar system operating in the ultrahigh frequency (UHF) range designed for foliage penetration (FOPEN) applications. Using this implementation, the polarimetric response of various foliage targets has been characterized.