Kirchhoff Model for a Skewed Random Surface

Abstract

The standard Kirchhoff surface scattering model is extended to include the third order surface statistics which account for the skewness in surface geometry. The bistatic scattering coefficient is derived in terms of the surface correlation function and the surface skewness function. Numerical illustrations are carried out for the backscattering coefficient and the effect of the skewness function is also illustrated. It is found that major changes in the backscattering coefficient due to a change in direction appears through the directional surface correlation function, while a change in the sense of direction is reflected through the skewness function of the surface.