Static Nonswitchable Antenna Array for Ground-Based Noise Waveform SAR: a Novel Concept for SAR Imaging

Abstract

A new method have been suggested and justified for SAR imaging using non-moving and no switching antenna array and decorrelation properties of noise (random) signals. We have shown that for separation of noise radar returns in a one channel correlation receiver and SAR image generation the radiators of the antenna array should be properly spaced and should have a microwave feeding circuit supplied with a time delay between the radiators that exceeds the decorrelation (coherence) time of noise radar signal. Attractive advantages of the suggested antenna array and method for SAR imaging with the help of noise waveform SAR consist in no need in either mechanical motion or electronic switching of the antenna array radiators, which simplify its design and low its cost. Preliminary theoretical consideration of NW-SAR based on the suggested antenna is presented. Advantages and constrains of such NW-SAR are briefly discussed.