Improving FM Radar Dynamic Range Using Target Phase Noise Cancellation

A method for improving the dynamic range of frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar systems is presented. Bright echo signals detected with FMCW radars can carry strong phase noise sidelobes, especially at W-band and higher frequencies where extremely quiet local oscillators do not exist or are practical. These sidelobes hide targets that would otherwise be detectable by radar. Owing to mathematical symmetry respect a dominant carrier tone, on negative-frequency side bright used in post-processing coherently cancel corresponding positive-frequency side, revealing presence any weak target side. We show experimentally how this procedure improves an airborne 167 GHz cloud up 18 dB, albeit detection sensitivity penalty about 3 dB.