ISAR imaging using coherent random noise radar techniques

The University of Nebraska has developed an ultra-wideband (UWB) coherent random noise radar that accomplishes phase- coherent processing of the received data. The system operates over the 1 - 2 GHz frequency range and achieves phase coherence using heterodyne correlation of the received signal with the time delayed replica of the transmitted signal. The system coherence allows for extraction of a targets polarimetric amplitude and phase characteristics. Collecting data from a rotating target over a series of range bins may be interpreted as construction of projections of a targets reflectivity function. This paper describes ISAR imaging with this system using tomographic methods. This paper gives a brief overview of the theory of image reconstruction from projections, the theory of random noise radar polarimetry, and presents simulations and initial experimental results.