Electrodynamic study of forward- and backward-scattering from spherical targets

In this paper, a comparison between backward and forward radar cross-section (RCS) profiles of metallic and dielectric spheres is presented. The emphasis is put on the electrodynamic background of generated RCS. It is shown that different phenomena are associated with the scattering from a perfectly reflecting target and dielectric one that can be well penetrated by the electromagnetic wave. Derived conclusions can be useful in better understanding of the operating conditions of bistatic passive radars utilizing the forward-scattering effect.