A ´best´ mismatched filter response for radar clutter discrimination

The response of a mismatched filter which will reduce the effects of radar clutter energy on signal detection is considered in this paper. Clutter is assumed to result from scatterers having a range-velocity distribution different from that of a desired target. A tradeoff between signal-to-clutter ratio (SCR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is made. The mathematical treatment involves controlling the distribution of the volume of the squared magnitude cross-correlation function associated with a given transmitted waveform and the response of the mismatched receiving filter. A measure of this volume is minimized for variations in mismatched filter response under suitable constraints on the output signal and noise powers. The essential result is contained in a linear integral equation. A method of solution is illustrated which enables one to choose a "best" tradeoff between SCR and SNR.