Amplitude sum-difference signal processing in synthetic aperture radars for mapping surface topography

V.K. Volosyuk, A.V. Yeremeyev, V.V. Pavlikov

The problem of statistical optimization of signal processing in synthetic aperture radar for mapping surface topography is investigated. The method for direction finding of surface elements based on monopulse amplitude comparison of the sum and difference signals from the two antennas with directivity patterns displaced in the goniometric plane is considered. The maximum likelihood approach is used to synthesize an optimal algorithm for direction finding of surface elements. Monopulse comparison of signals is followed by coherent accumulation of signals that allows antenna aperture synthesis in the azimuthal direction.

Key words: mapping, direction finding, height of the relief, interferometric SAR, amplitude sum-difference SAR, optimal processing.