Modelling of the Scattering by a Smooth Dielectric Cylinder: Study of the Complex Scattering Matrix

The interpretation of SAR data remains particularly difficult in the case of forests. Interferometric or/and polarimetric studies may enable us to retrieve some characteristics of the forest and identify the relevant scattering mechanisms involved in the global scattering phenomenon. A lot of numerical models have been developed to make the retrieval of such complex scenes easier. Both interferometry and polarimetry require a good knowledge of the scattering matrix, which is studied here for a single scatterer with a focusing on trunks, branches and needles, which are generally modelled by cylinders. The scattering matrix is simulated with two different commonly used models, based on semi-exact computations. The complex scattering matrix is computed for several local mechanisms involved in the global scattering by forested areas. Significantly results are found, pointing out that such studies are necessary before focusing on forest scattering modelling.