Enhanced Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar Imagery Using 2 - D Spectral Estimation

approved: _____________________________________________________ S. Lawrence Marple Jr. This research focused on the use of classical and modern two-dimensional spectral estimation techniques for enhancing inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imagery. 2-D Classical spectral estimation methods and 2-D modern parametric and non-parametric spectral estimation methods are applied to simulated and real data sets in order to achieve both range and cross-range resolution enhancement. After a basic introduction of radar fundamentals the concepts of image formation for ISAR imagery is developed from a 2-D matched filter method into 2-D Fourier based methods. The concepts of Zero-Doppler clutter subtraction and polar-to-cartesian interpolation are introduced and applied. 2-D Classical and modern spectral estimation methods are presented and integrated into image formation algorithms. A quantitative and qualitative assessment of the imagery product from each is made based on resolution, variance, and dynamic range. A Matlab toolbox for ISAR image formation of both simulated and measured ISAR data is developed. Alternative image formation techniques such as Hybrid algorithms and Time-Frequency Analysis are introduced. ©Copyright by David R. Ohm October 26, 2004 All Rights Reserved Enhanced Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar Imagery Using 2-D Spectral Estimation