Title:  Wavenumber Domain Methods for Three-Dimensional Radar Imaging

Committee: 

Dr. Barnes, Advisor       

Dr. Herrmann, Chair

Dr. Williams

Abstract: The objective of the proposed research is to investigate novel approaches to Radar Imaging and develop wavenumber-domain algorithms for three-dimensional imaging of static and moving objects. Existing methods in Radar Imaging using Synthetic Aperture Radars (SARs) are generally restricted to linear or circular sensing geometries, and typically involve tradeoffs between supported scene size and resolution. Current methods are primarily amenable to static object profiling. The proposed research builds on wavenumber-domain methods with a basis in seismic sensing, to design new algorithms that offer a unified framework for numerous 3D Radar imaging applications, such as non-linear sensing paths, multi-band imaging, volumetric imaging of highly maneuverable objects, and distributed sensing with sparse swarms, applications that are either currently impractical, or require separate algorithms. Results demonstrating angle isomorphism between spatial view-angles and corresponding wavenumber-domain sample locations of radar echoes will enable us to develop a common data manifold to allow fusion and subsequent image reconstruction of samples from diverse sensors with ease in wavenumber-space. Methods are also proposed that apply these principles to fully Digital Arrays, which will empower novel operational modes such as single-pulse Radar imaging, and a unified algorithm for both real- and synthetic-aperture imaging.