An algorithm for estimation of Faraday rotation for P-band polarimetric SAR

Abstract

The peculiarities of the use of the P radio frequency band for spaceborne SAR observations are discussed with emphasis on the Faraday rotation /spl Omega/ of the plane of radiowaves traveling in the ionosphere. The level of influence of various factors on the value of the rotation is estimated. An analysis of the compensation of the Faraday rotation in the conditions of polarimetric observations is made. SIR-C full polarimetric data in the SLC format are used for modeling the Faraday effect and the algorithm for estimation of the value of the rotation.