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On the Importance of Polarization in Radar Scattering Problems

Citation

van Zyl, Jakob Johannes (1986) On the Importance of Polarization in Radar Scattering Problems. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/QRD0-YE09. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-06262006-133025

Abstract

In this thesis, the importance of polarization in radar scattering problems is investigated. The different matrix characterizations of scatterers are discussed in detail. The problem of finding the polarizations which would yield an optimum amount of power received from the scatterer is solved for the most general case. This shows that for certain classes of scatterers six optimum polarizations exist. The concept of a polarization spectrum to characterize a scatterer is introduced. The usefulness of these spectrums is illustrated when results, using measured multipolarization synthetic aperture radar data, are discussed. Another useful parameter, the coefficient of variation, is introduced. Measured results show that this parameter may be used to form an idea of the scale over which the scattering properties of the scene being imaged vary. The problem of finding the effective scattering operator of a slab filled with different scatterers is formulated. Detailed expressions are given for the effective single scattering operators. This formulation is illustrated by calculating the effective single scattering operators for models of different types of vegetation.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Electrical Engineering
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Engineering and Applied Science
Major Option:Electrical Engineering
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Papas, Charles Herach
Thesis Committee:
  • Papas, Charles Herach (chair)
  • Albee, Arden Leroy
  • Elachi, Charles
  • Posner, Edward C.
  • Psaltis, Demetri
Defense Date:10 December 1985
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-06262006-133025
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-06262006-133025
DOI:10.7907/QRD0-YE09
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:2734
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:13 Jul 2006
Last Modified:21 Dec 2019 04:41

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