Millimeter radar improves target identification

Alastair D. McAulay

doi:10.1117/12.885320

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5 May 2011 Millimeter radar improves target identification

Alastair D. McAulay

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Proceedings Volume 8050, Signal Processing, Sensor Fusion, and Target Recognition XX; 80501F (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.885320
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2011, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Recently developed millimeter wave radar has advantages for target identification over conventional microwave radar which typically use lower frequencies. We describe the pertinent features involved in the construction of the new millimeter wave radar, the pseudo-optical cavity source and the quasi-optical duplexer. The long wavelength relative to light allows the radar beam to penetrate through most weather because the wavelength is larger than the particle size for dust, drizzle rain, fog. Further the mm wave beam passes through an atmospheric transmission window that provides a dip in attenuation. The higher frequency than conventional radar provides higher Doppler frequencies, for example, than X-band radar. We show by simulation that small characteristic vibrations and slow turns of an aircraft become visible so that the Doppler signature improves identification. The higher frequency also reduces beam width, which increases transmit and receive antenna gains. For the same power the transmit beam extends to farther range and the increase in receive antenna gain increases signal to noise ratio for improved detection and identification. The narrower beam can also reduce clutter and reject other noise more readily. We show by simulation that the radar can be used at lower elevations over the sea than conventional radar.

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Alastair D. McAulay "Millimeter radar improves target identification", Proc. SPIE 8050, Signal Processing, Sensor Fusion, and Target Recognition XX, 80501F (5 May 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.885320

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