Scattering Identification in ISAR Images via Sparse Decomposition

Recognition and Identification of targets are crucial steps in the radar signal processing chain. Due to their high resolution, imaging radars are a well suitable choice for these tasks. This paper presents a framework, which is based on sparse decomposition of radar images, to identify different kinds of scattering mechanisms. As application example, the separation of echoes from jet engines and isotropic scattering centers is used. To model the echoes from jet engines a waveguide model is used and the separation of the echoes is done with an algorithm called morphological component analysis. To evaluate the ability of the algorithm to separate engine echoes and isotropic point scattering centers, a simulation with these two types of echoes is performed. Finally, a real data set of the Tracking and Imaging Radar (TIRA) of Fraunhofer FHR is used to show results with a real radar system.