MMW scattering by rough lossy dielectric cylinders and tree trunks

The millimeter-wave (MMW) radar backscatter response of a rough, lossy, dielectric cylinder is examined both analytically and experimentally. Models for both the coherent and incoherent components of the scattered field are developed based on the geometric-optics approximation. The accuracy of the analytical models and their applicability in predicting the backscatter response of tree trunks are determined experimentally by measuring the radar backscatter at 95 GHz from a rough conducting cylinder and from a section of a tree trunk. In both cases, very good agreement was achieved between the model predictions and the measurements.