Radar Systems

Overview
Week 2 4th Session

23-Jan-14

Week 2 - Session 4

This Lecture
The physics of electromagnetic waves Interaction of EM waves with matter

23-Jan-14

Week 2 - Session 4

The Physics of EM Waves

23-Jan-14

Week 2 - Session 4

The Physics of EM Waves

Intensity

Intensity of Spherical Waves Wavefront curvature /16 over a given aperture of dimension D planar wave This condition is met if the distance from the source to the aperture is at least 2D2 / . This is called the far-field or plane wave approximation
23-Jan-14 Week 2 - Session 4 4

The Physics of EM Waves

Polarization
= 0 cos( + ) = radians/m and = 2 radians/s
2

23-Jan-14

Week 2 - Session 4

Interaction of EM Waves with Matter Diffraction

Diffraction is the bending of EM waves as they propagate through an aperture or around the edge of an object. Diffraction depends on: Size of aperture (antenna), a Wavelength,

23-Jan-14

Week 2 - Session 4

Interaction of EM Waves with Matter Diffraction

Angular shape of wave as it exits the aperture: a sin (x) / x (sinc) function Main lobe half-power (-3dB) beamwidth, 3 of sinc function: 3 =
0.89

Diffraction responsible for the formation of: Antenna pattern Antenna beam (main lobe) Sidelobes

23-Jan-14

Week 2 - Session 4

Interaction of EM Waves with Matter

Diffraction
Example 1

A multi-element antenna

Example 2

Multi-element linear array of radiating elements with in-phase signals and resulting main beam pattern
23-Jan-14 Week 2 - Session 4 8

Interaction of EM Waves with Matter

Diffraction

1.3 radians

Idealized one-dimensional antenna pattern

23-Jan-14

Week 2 - Session 4

Interaction of EM Waves with Matter

Atmospheric Attenuation

Rain, fog and clouds further attenuate EM waves

23-Jan-14

Week 2 - Session 4

10

Interaction of EM Waves with Matter

Atmospheric Refraction

Refraction is the bending of EM waves at the interface of two different dielectric materials.
Speed of EM wave is function of optical density of the material

Index of refraction: n = c/v

Difference in wavelength for wavefronts in two materials Speed decreases in glass, but frequency does not change, therefore, wavelength must decrease
23-Jan-14 Week 2 - Session 4 11

Interaction of EM Waves with Matter

Atmospheric Refraction
Refraction is encountered in radar signals directed upward (or downward) through the atmosphere. As the index of refraction reduces with altitude, therefore, EM wave will bend back towards the earth. Adverse effects: Target location Tracking accuracy Benefits: OTH detection Increase in detection range Severe ray bending is called ducting.
23-Jan-14 Week 2 - Session 4 12

Interaction of EM Waves with Matter

Reflection

In radar technology, scattering phenomenology is quantified by the target parameter radar cross section, . RCS is determined by interception, reflection and directivity.

23-Jan-14

Week 2 - Session 4

13

Next Lecture
Basic radar configurations and waveforms Noise, Signal-to-Noise ratio, and detection Basic radar measurements Basic radar functions Radar applications

23-Jan-14

Week 2 - Session 4

14