Squinted TOPS SAR Imaging Based on Modified Range Migration Algorithm and Spectral Analysis

For the squinted terrain observation by progressive scans (TOPS) imaging mode, three problems need to be considered: azimuth spectrum aliasing, serious range-azimuth coupling, and azimuth time aliasing after range cell migration correction (RCMC). For these problems, a subaperture imaging algorithm based on the modified range migration algorithm (RMA) combined with spectral analysis (SPECAN) is proposed in this letter. Echo data are properly divided into subapertues so that the 2-D spectrum of each subaperture without aliasing can be obtained; then, the modified RMA is used to perform RCMC; finally, the signal is focused in the Doppler domain by SPECAN and deramping after subaperture recombination. Both simulated and real SAR data in the squinted TOPS mode are used to validate the proposed algorithm.