Ground-based polarimetric radar imaging at DLR: an overview

The paper gives an overview about the activities at DLR in the field of ground based polarimetric radar imaging. Some features of the measurement equipment are given. The basic principle of the generation of complex target microwave images from scattered fields is outlined, and the derivation of target characteristic parameters as well as target characteristic polarizations is described. Special emphasis is given to the analysis of localized scattering centers. Two methods for studying bistatic scattering effects on a monostatic range are introduced. The physics of radar backscatter from randomly distributed targets is explained especially with respect to the measurement of scattering matrix time series. Further, the determination of signal degradations on Earth-satellite paths by means of the DLR weather radar is dealt with.