Radar antenna pointing for optimized signal to noise ratio.

Technical Report · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2013

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/1088061· OSTI ID:1088061

Doerry, Armin Walter; Marquette, Brandeis

The Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of a radar echo signal will vary across a range swath, due to spherical wavefront spreading, atmospheric attenuation, and antenna beam illumination. The antenna beam illumination will depend on antenna pointing. Calculations of geometry are complicated by the curved earth, and atmospheric refraction. This report investigates optimizing antenna pointing to maximize the minimum SNR across the range swath.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States); General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.,, San Diego, CA
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• OSTI ID: 1088061
• Report Number(s): SAND2012-10691; 456406
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English