Diffraction Limit of Radar Reflectivity for Bodies Covered with Absorbing Materials

ABSTRACT

The analysis is performed to consider radar backscattering from “black” objects to obtain the diffraction limit (limiting case) for this type of wave reflection. When an absolutely absorbing object is located close to a reflecting boundary surface (such as sea or the earth surface), it obtains reflectivity due to rescattering between the object and the reflecting surface. The dependencies of radar scattering of a black disk on the observation angle for different irregularities on the boundary surface are analysed. The diffraction limit for an absorbing disk positioned above a rough boundary surface is calculated. Estimation of the diffraction limit is made for a ship at a special observation angle.