Polarimetric ISAR imaging to identify basic scattering mechanisms using transient signatures

This dissertation concentrates on the identification of basic scattering mechanisms using ISAR imaging techniques and polarimetric information. The approach used for generating synthetic target images from electromagnetic scattering data is closely related to ISAR (Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar) imaging techniques and CAT (Computer Assisted Tomography). The imaging algorithm combines one-dimensional band-limited, filtered impulse response signatures with aspect angle information and replaces conventional two-dimensional Fourier transforms, which are commonly used for image reconstruction. Images of both geometrically simple and complicated targets are generated using two different linear polarizations. Identification of the first order scattering mechanisms and some of higher order mechanisms is discussed. Polarization information as a target identification tool is discussed.