On the Equalization of F-Scan SAR Imaging Performance

Abstract

This paper introduces optimization techniques to equalize the performance of F-Scan across the swath width. Namely, the processing of a variable power beamwidth, i.e., not restricting to the -6 dB points of the two-way elevation pattern, is considered to equalize the ground range resolution. In addition, the use of nonlinear chirps is analyzed to adjust the illumination time at near and far range, and, hence, to equalize the noise-equivalent sigma zero or the signal-to-noise ratio. Finally, processing aspects are discussed to verify the feasibility of the techniques from an image formation perspective.