Introducing Real-Time On-Board SAR Image Generation using an Optronic SAR Processor

This paper introduces a compact optronic processor prototype that has the capability to instantaneously generate SAR images. This real-time processor is light weight, low power consuming and small in size, the design being specifically targeted for on-board SAR image processing. SAR images are typically processed electronically applying dedicated Fourier transformations. This may be performed optically at the speed of light, however. The optronic processor architecture provides inherent parallel computing capabilities for fast SAR processing. Indeed, SAR images have been generated from ENVISAT / ASAR raw data. A review of the design of the optronic processor prototype and an analysis of the SAR images it produces are presented.