A validation analysis of Huynen's target-descriptor interpretations of the Mueller matrix elements in polarimetric radar returns using Kennaugh's physical optics impulse response formulation

By applying correction to Kennaugh's impulse response formulation for smooth, convex targets, Huynen's descriptors have been shown to relate to specular geometry at high frequencies. A time-gating technique has been developed to separate the specular signature from the creeping wave contribution in the total backscattered return. This enables approximately equivalent high frequency data to be extracted from bandlimited scattering measurements. It is shown that the validation of the target-descriptor interpretations of the Mueller matrix elements with the isolated specular contribution data is acceptable, whereas the validation of these interpretations with the total backscattered data seems doubtful.