Decomposition Theorems Applied To Random and Stationary Radar Targets - Abstract

Abstract

The scattering matrix fully characterizes the polarimetric behavior of a stationary radar target. Other matrices like the Kennaugh or target coherency matrix are used to describe time-dependent radar targets. They involve the time-averaged co- and cross-products of the elements of the time-dependent scattering matrix. In order to interpret these matrices, three different target decomposition theorems, the Huynen, the Cloude, and the Holm and Barnes target decomposition theorem, are experimentally investigated. After giving an overview of these decompositions, this paper deals with simple targets as illustrations. A random target is artificially built from the noise signal of the radar and the chimney of a power plant is selected as stationary target. The elements of the time-dependent scattering matrix of a random target have a phase uniformly distributed between ±π. The random and stationary targets are limiting statistical cases for time-dependent targets. The results of the three decompositions are discussed and compared.