Theory and simulation of ionospheric effects on synthetic aperture radar

Space-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) necessarily involves imaging through the ionosphere. At low frequencies (VHF, UHF and L-band) the ionosphere will degrade the SAR image. Previous work has shown that the amount of image degradation strongly depends on the integrated strength of ionospheric turbulence, C _k L. The focusing, sidelobes and integrated sidelobe ratio all depend on C _k L in a manner that can be directly predicted by a simple analytic theory, which is reviewed and extended to cover any synthetic aperture length. Simulations of the ionosphere, using a thin phase screen parabolic equation approach, are performed under different ionospheric conditions for a number of possible SAR systems and the results compared with the analytic theory. It is concluded that, provided that the scattering is weak, the theory represents a good predictor of SAR performance, even at UHF. The known statistics of C _k L can therefore be used to predict the performance of any trans-ionospheric SAR without performing a simulation.     

Applied Quantum Mechanics

It is shown that the first-order correlation function connected with a scalar wave field, can be determined from a set of intensity distributions in the image plane, generated by different settings of the defocusing and the moment of axial astigmatism. Estimates of the error with which the coherence function can be determined are derived.     

对比度最优与子孔径相关自聚焦算法的比较

为了选用快速高效的自动聚集算法对机载SAR数据进行聚焦处理，针对两种自聚焦算法--对比度最优法（Contrast Optimization，简称CO）与子孔径相关法（Map Drift，简称MD），利用中科院电子所机载L波段合成孔径雷达(SAR)的实际数据和仿真的点目标对这两种算法进行了对比实验研究。给出了分别用两种算法处理的点目标冲激响应和实际SAR图像。通过对比分析，表明CO算法比MD算法计算速度快、估计效果较好。     

基于无参考结构清晰度的自适应自动对焦方法

针对自动对焦系统,提出了一种基于单帧图像无参考结构清晰度的自适应变步长爬山搜索策略.该方法利用了无参考结构清晰度可提供的离焦量先验信息:当离焦量大时,大步距粗调快速逼近准焦位置;当离焦量小时,小步距微调准确定位准焦位置.该方法在不降低调焦精度的情况下,大大减少了自动对焦所需的图像数量和决策次数.实际系统实验结果表明,新...     

Scene estimation from speckled synthetic aperture radar imagery: Markov-random-field approach

A novel Markov-random-field model for speckled synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery is derived according to the physical, spatial statistical properties of speckle noise in coherent imaging. A convex Gibbs energy function for speckled images is derived and utilized to perform speckle-compensating image estimation. The image estimation is formed by computing the conditional expectation of the noisy image at each pixel given its neighbors, which is further expressed in terms of the derived Gibbs energy function. The efficacy of the proposed technique, in terms of reducing speckle noise while preserving spatial resolution, is studied by using both real and simulated SAR imagery. Using a number of commonly used metrics, the performance of the proposed technique is shown to surpass that of existing speckle-noise-filtering methods such as the Gamma MAP, the modified Lee, and the enhanced Frost.     

Correctability limitations imposed by plane-wave scintillation in multiconjugate adaptive optics

Plane-wave scintillation is shown to impose multiconjugate adaptive optics (MCAO) correctability limitations that are independent of wavefront sensing and reconstruction. Residual phase and log-amplitude variances induced by scintillation in weak turbulence are derived using linear (diffraction-based) diffractive MCAO spatial filters or (diffraction-ignorant) geometric MCAO proportional gains as open-loop control parameters. In the case of Kolmogorov turbulence, expressions involving the Rytov variance and/or weighted C(2)(n) integrals apply. Differences in performance between diffractive MCAO and geometric MCAO resemble chromatic errors. Optimal corrections based on least squares imply irreducible performance limits that are validated by wave-optic simulations.     

星载SAR影像地理编码算法研究

对SAR成像机理进行了研究,据此对SAR的成像几何进行了精确构建。所建距离向和方位向成像方程的参数可以由卫星轨道参数和其它成像参数直接获得。若轨道参数精度较高,这些参数就可以直接用于SAR影像的地理编码,生成SAR正射影像。为提高校正精度,研究了以这些参数为初值利用少量控制点对成像方程参数进行非线性求解的算法,并利用该算法完成了ERS2SAR影像的地理编码过程。利用该算法产生的正射影像和地形图的配准精度在东西和南北向都小于50m,可与其它基于地形图坐标系统的图像匹配使用。     

A probability density closure model for turbulence

Summary Starting from the Navier-Stokes equation, the evolution equation of the first order probability density functions of turbulence is derived. Closure assumptions for the pressure terms are introduced and the closed pdf equation is obtained. The resulting evolution equation takes the form of the Fokker-Planck equation and contains the existing Langevin based models as special cases. It is shown that the model predicts the known behaviors of turbulence in the limit of extremely high Reynolds number as well as a decaying turbulence. The moment equations are also examined. It is shown that the model is consistent with the recent second and third order closure models of turbulence.     

High Resolution SAR Image Algorithm with Sample Length Constraints for the Range Direction

The traditional Range Doppler (RD) algorithm is unable to meet practical needs owing to the limit of resolution. The order of fractional Fourier Transform (FrFT) and the length of sampling signals affect SAR imaging performance when FrFT is applied to RD algorithm. To overcome the above shortcomings, the purpose of this paper is to propose a high-resolution SAR image algorithm by using the optimal order of FrFT and the sample length constraints for the range direction. The expression of the optimal order of SAR range signals via FrFT is deduced in detail. The initial sample length and its constraints are proposed to obtain the best sample length of SAR range signals. Experimental results demonstrate that, when the range sampling-length changes in a certain interval, the best sampling-length will be obtained, which the best values of the range resolution, PSLR and ISLR, will be derived respectively. Compared with traditional RD algorithm, the main-lobe width of the peak-point target of the proposed algorithm is narrow in the range direction. While the peak amplitude of the first side-lobe is reduced significantly, those of other side-lobes also drop in various degrees.     

Image transmission through a turbulent medium using a point reflector and four-wave mixing. 2: Characteristics of the system

The characteristics of the one-way image transmission system presented in Part 1 are investigated in detail [Appl. Opt. 22, 2192 (1983)]. First, a general expression of the expectation of the transmitted image is derived for turbulence that may be typical in image transmission in the horizontal direction. Then, with the help of numerical examples, the image quality is discussed in terms of the point spread function for both thin layer and uniformly distributed turbulence. It is shown that the image transmission system is effective especially where turbulence exists relatively close to the transmission plane.     

Least-squares estimation of imaging parameters for an ultrasonic array using known geometric image features

Ultrasonic array images are adversely affected by errors in the assumed or measured imaging parameters. For non-destructive testing and evaluation, this can result in reduced defect detection and characterization performance. In this paper, an autofocus algorithm is presented for estimating and correcting imaging parameter errors using the collected echo data and a priori knowledge of the image geometry. Focusing is achieved by isolating a known geometric feature in the collected data and then performing a weighted leastsquares minimization of the errors between the data and a feature model, with respect to the unknown parameters. The autofocus algorithm is described for the estimation of element positions in a flexible array coupled to a specimen with an unknown surface profile. Experimental results are shown using a prototype flexible array and it is demonstrated that (for an isolated feature and a well-prescribed feature model) the algorithm is capable of generating autofocused images that are comparable in quality to benchmark images generated using accurately known imaging parameters.     

一种基于PFA的多子阵聚束合成孔径声呐成像方法

文章提出了一种基于极坐标格式算法（Polar Format Algorithm,PFA）进行聚束多子阵合成孔径声呐成像的改进方法,建立了非“停-走-停”条件下的斜视成像模型,推导了信号由时域到波数域的解析表达式,给出了信号处理流程。该方法首先使用场景中心点的精确距离史对平台运动误差进行补偿,并通过极坐标算法处理得到粗聚焦的图像。其次,为了解决非场景中心点的残余空变相位误差的补偿问题,对粗聚焦图像进行分块自聚焦处理,使场景边缘点的聚焦效果得到改善。最后,经过子图拼接及几何校正后得到完整的精聚焦图像。仿真及分析结果表明,该方法提高了方位向性能指标,同时也能准确补偿平台运动误差,可以很好地应用于多子阵声呐成像。该方法在大运动误差、大斜视情况下仍具有较好的鲁棒性。     

Spatial and temporal characterization of phase fluctuations in non-Kolmogorov atmospheric turbulence

Abstract

Atmospheric turbulence severely limits the performance of ground-based imaging and laser propagation systems. Some observational results, showing atmospheric turbulence which does not obey Kolmogorov's theory, have prompted the study of optical propagation through non-Kolmogorov turbulence. This paper presents a theoretical approach to analyse the spatial and temporal characterizations of phase fluctuations in non-Kolmogorov turbulence. The spatial structure function, the temporal structure function and the temporal power spectrum of phase fluctuations are derived. The generalized coherence length ρ₀, the characteristic frequency f_R and the characteristic time T_R are expressed as functions of the index structure constant along the propagation path and the wind velocity. The long exposure MTF, the short exposure MTF and the imaging Strehl ratio are computed.     

Turbulence-induced edge image waviness: theory and experiment

A theoretical model for the edge image waviness effect is developed for the ground-to-ground imaging scheme and validated by use of IR imagery data collected at the White Sands Missile Range. It is shown that angle-of-arrival (AA) angular anisoplanatism causes the phenomenon of edge image waviness and that the AA correlation scale, not the isoplanatic angle, characterizes the edge image waviness scale. The latter scale is determined by the angular size of the imager and a normalized atmospheric outer scale, and it does not depend on the strength of turbulence along the path. Spherical divergence of the light waves increases the edge waviness scale. A procedure for estimating the atmospheric and camera-noise components of the edge image motion is developed and implemented. A technique for mitigation of the edge image waviness that relies on averaging the effects of AA anisoplanatism on the image is presented and validated. The edge waviness variance is reduced by a factor of 2-3. The time history and temporal power spectrum of the edge image motion are obtained. These data confirm that the observed edge image motion is caused by turbulence.     

Evaluation of a digital optical ionizing radiation particle track detector

An outline of an ionizing radiation particle track detector is presented which can in principle, determine the three-dimensional spatial distribution of all the secondary electrons produced by the passage of the ionizing radiation through a low-pressure (0.1–10 kPa) gas. The electrons in the particle track are excited by the presence of a high-frequency ac electric field, and two digital cameras image the optical radiation produced in electronic excitation collisions of the surrounding gas by the electrons. The specific requirements of the detector for neutron dosimetry and microdosimetry are outlined (i.e., operating conditions of the digital cameras, high voltage fields, gas mixtures, etc.) along with an estimate of the resolution and sensitivity achievable with this technique. The proposed detector is shown to compare favorably with other methods for obtaining the details of the track structure, particularly in the quality of the information obtainable about the particle track and the comparative simplicity and adaptability of the detector for measuring the secondary electron track structure for many forms of ionizing radiation over a wide range of energies.     

Dynamic Properties of Laser Speckles on Images Transmitted Through an Image Fibre-bundle

Abstract

The statistical properties of time-varying laser speckles appearing on an image transmitted through an image fibre-bundle are studied experimentally and theoretically. The effect of defocusing on a stage of observation is investigated in relation to the stationarity of the detected speckle intensity. It is shown that a large amount of defocusing produces a stationary speckle field for which the correlation function of the speckle intensity variation is obtained in a stable form. This allows a system for monitoring the velocity of moving objects using an image fibre-bundle to be developed.     

Anisoplanatic imaging through turbulent media: image recovery by local information fusion from a set of short-exposure images

A wide-field-of-view white-light imaging experiment with artificially generated turbulence layers located between the extended object and the imaging system is described. Relocation of the turbulence sources along the imaging path allowed the creation of controllable anisoplanatic effects. We demonstrate that the recently proposed synthetic imaging technique [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 16, 1623 (1999)] may result in substantial improvement in image quality for highly anisoplanatic conditions. It is shown that for multisource objects located at different distances the processing of turbulence-degraded short-exposure images may lead to a synthetic image that has an image quality superior to that of the undistorted image obtained in the absence of turbulence (turbulence-induced image quality enhancement).     

Analytical expressions for the log-amplitude correlation function of a plane wave through anisotropic atmospheric refractive turbulence

The effect of anisotropic Kolmogorov turbulence on the log-amplitude correlation function for plane-wave fields is investigated using analysis, numerical integration, and simulation. A new analytical expression for the log-amplitude correlation function is derived for anisotropic Kolmogorov turbulence. The analytic results, based on the Rytov approximation, agree well with a more general wave-optics simulation based on the Fresnel approximation as well as with numerical evaluations, for low and moderate strengths of turbulence. The new expression reduces correctly to previously published analytic expressions for isotropic turbulence. The final results indicate that, as asymmetry becomes greater, the Rytov variance deviates from that given by the standard formula. This deviation becomes greater with stronger turbulence, up to moderate turbulence strengths. The anisotropic effects on the log-amplitude correlation function are dominant when the separation of the points is within the Fresnel length. In the direction of stronger turbulence, there is an enhanced dip in the correlation function at a separation close to the Fresnel length. The dip is diminished in the weak-turbulence axis, suggesting that energy redistribution via focusing and defocusing is dominated by the strong-turbulence axis. The new analytical expression is useful when anisotropy is observed in relevant experiments.     

Correlation of stellar scintillation in different photometric bands

Theoretical relations were obtained to calculate the correlation of stellar scintillation, when a star is measured simultaneously in two different photometric bands (channels). Differential color scintillation and the respective indices are proposed for practical evaluation of the correlation. Asymptotic dependence for the case of an infinitely small receiving aperture is derived and analyzed. The effect of atmospheric dispersion, which transforms the color differences into spatial differences, is examined. Additionally, the effect of the deviation of real optical turbulence from Kolmogorov turbulence is estimated. The obtained relations were compared with simultaneous measurements in three photometric bands and different receiving apertures in the range of 1 to 15 cm. It is shown that the measurements and calculated estimations of the color scintillation agree well.