Target-reflectivity theory for coherent laser radars

Abstract

The general target characterization for coherent laser radars is shown to be a two-frequency bistatic scattering-amplitude matrix. This matrix is used to develop target-signature expressions for pulsed imager and 3-D imager systems. The relationships between the scattering matrix and the more familiar bidirectional reflectance, diffuse reflectivity, and multiplicative target models are explored. Problems that may arise in test bed or reflectometer measurements of target reflectivity are discussed, and test bed calibration-plate measurement data are reported. The latter will indicate the viability of diffuse reflectivity for rough-surface targets.