A novel ground moving target detector in dual-channel SAR images based on the covariance matrix

Concerning the detection of ground moving targets in dual-channel SAR images, a novel detector based on sample covariance matrix is proposed. The method makes use of the principle of orthogonal projection, for obtaining the component of the sample covariance matrix energy vector that is perpendicular to the clutter covariance matrix energy vector, then construct effective metric by this orthogonal component. Compared with traditional DPCA, this new metric can achieve better clutter rejection, eliminate influences from moving targets’ sidelobes, set threshold more easily and get lower false alarm probability. The simulated results prove the effectiveness of this metric.