New Methods and Processing Algorithms for Passive Radar Imaging

• Applicant: Dr.-Ing. Holger Nies, since 10/2022
• Subject Area: Electronic Semiconductors, Components and Circuits, Integrated Systems, Sensor Technology, Theoretical Electrical Engineering
• Term: from 2019 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 410851921

Besides the traditional remote sensing based on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites which deliver high resolution and well georeferenced images from the Earth’s surface there is a big need for continuous observation of small local areas which cannot be satisfied by the current satellite programs. In contrast to the afore mentioned monostatic satellite missions, bistatic configurations employing satellites of opportunity as illuminators and locally separated stationary (passive) receivers observing the local scene of interest feature some attractive benefits like moderate costs and short repeat intervals. In this project we will analyze different kinds of passive radar systems using signal sources with diverse properties enabling radar imaging and its applications.The diversity of transmitters in passive radar imaging can lead this unique technique to a wider application area so that it is important to have a full view of different possible satellites, as the applicants propose in this project proposal. The cooperation will make full use of the previous research work from the Sino/German research institutes and the joint research progress will yield new solutions introducing novel key techniques in passive radar imaging This joint Sino/German project proposal aims at exploiting the ubiquitously available microwave signals of communication and GNSS satellites as well as ground-based DVB-T stations as “illumination” for novel kinds of passive Radar imaging purposes utilizing earth bound stationary or moving, cost efficient passive single or multichannel receivers. In order to achieve this novel image generation algorithms, including compressive sensing approaches will be investigated, designed and implemented.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: China
• Partner Organisation: National Natural Science Foundation of China
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Jie Chen
• Ehemaliger Antragsteller: Professor Dr.-Ing. Otmar Loffeld, until 10/2022 (†)