Scattering Model-Based Frequency-Hopping RCS Reconstruction Using SPICE Methods

RCS reconstruction is an important way to reduce the measurement time in anechoic chambers and expand the radar original data, which can solve the problems of data scarcity and a high measurement cost. The greedy pursuit, convex relaxation, and sparse Bayesian learning-based sparse recovery methods can be used for parameter estimation. However, these sparse recovery methods either have problems in solving accuracy or selecting auxiliary parameters, or need to determine the probability distribution of noise in advance. To solve these problems, a non-parametric Sparse Iterative Covariance Estimation (SPICE) algorithm with global convergence property based on the sparse Geometrical Theory of Diffraction (GTD) model (GTD–SPICE) is employed for the first time for RCS reconstruction. Furthermore, an improved coarse-to-fine two-stage SPICE method (DE–GTD–SPICE) based on the Damped Exponential (DE) model and the GTD model (DE–GTD) is proposed to reduce the computational cost. Experimental results show that both the GTD–SPICE method and the DE–GTD–SPICE method are reliable and effective for RCS reconstruction. Specifically, the DE–GTD–SPICE method has a shorter computational time.

Horocycles of Light in a Ferrocell

We studied the effects of image formation in a device known as Ferrocell, which consists of a thin film of a ferrofluid solution between two glass plates subjected to an external magnetic field in the presence of a light source. Following suggestions found in the literature, we compared the Ferrocell light scattering for some magnetic field configurations with the conical scattering of light by thin structures found in foams known as Plateau borders, and we discuss this type of scattering with the concept of diffracted rays from the Geometrical Theory of Diffraction. For certain magnetic field configurations, a Ferrocell with a point light source creates images of circles, parabolas, and hyperboles. We interpret the Ferrocell images as analogous to a Möbius transformation by inversion of the magnetic field. The formation of circles through this transformation is known as horocycles, which can be observed directly in the Ferrocell plane.

EM Modelling of Monostatic RCS for Different Complex Targets in the Near-Field Range: Experimental Evaluation for Traffic Applications

An evaluation of monostatic radar cross section (RCS) response in the near-field range was performed for several targets with different and complex topologies. The main objective was to provide and validate an efficient tool based on electromagnetic (EM) simulations to characterize a traffic scenario. Thus, a novel method based on the combination of geometrical theory of diffraction (GTD) and physical optics (PO) was used to estimate RCS, and the results were compared with the method of moments (MoM) methodology. The simulations were experimentally validated using a commercial vehicular frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar at 24 GHz. With this simple measurement system, RCS measurements can be made using an easier and cheaper process to obtain RCS response in the near-field range, which is the most usual situation for traffic applications. A reasonable agreement between the measurements and the EM simulations was observed, validating the proposed methodology in order to efficiently characterize the RCS of targets typically found in real traffic scenarios.

High-frequency diffraction contribution by planar metallic–DNG metamaterial junctions

The plane wave diffraction by a planar junction consisting of a thick metallic sheet and a lossy double-negative metamaterial slab is studied by using the Uniform Asymptotic Physical Optics approach. This approach assumes the radiation integral as a starting point and uses the physical optics surface currents as sources to be integrated. The integral is manipulated by taking advantage of useful approximations and evaluations, and re-formulated in order to apply an asymptotic procedure able to generate a closed-form approximate solution in the framework of the Uniform Geometrical Theory of Diffraction. Accordingly, advantages and drawbacks result from the application of the proposed solution. The jumps of the geometrical optics field are compensated. Implementation and handling of the computer code are facilitated by the evaluation of well-known functions and parameters. No differential/integral equations or special functions must be computed.