Method and apparatus for enhancing target detection using polarization modulation

• US 6,121,920 A
• Filed: 05/26/1999
• Issued: 09/19/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 05/26/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Barrett Holding LLC
• Original Assignee: Barrett Holding LLC
• Inventors: Barrett, Terence W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sotomayor, John B.
• Application Number:
  US09/318,610
• Time in Patent Office: 482 Days
• Field of Search: 342/188, 342/22, 342/73, 342/82, 342/83, 342/90, 342/187, 342/194, 342/195, 342/203, 342/204
• US Class Current: 342/188
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/024 using polarisation effects in waveguides H01P1/165; for aerials H01Q, e.g. H01Q15/22, H01Q15/24, H01Q19/195
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/411 Identification of targets based on measurements of radar reflectivity G01S7/415 takes precedence

Abstract

A system of enhancing target detection in a polarization modulated signaling system for detecting targets through one or more given media. A polarization modulated signal is generated and transmitted in the given medium which is the complex conjugate of the polarization modulated response over time of the combined medium and target. The wave equation for transmission through the medium, reflectance from the target and transmission through the one or more given media, is solved and the polarization modulation of the polarization modulated signal is adjusted to match the polarization response over time for maximum propagation through the one or more given media and maximum reflectance from the target over time.

Claims

1. A method of enhancing target detection in a polarization modulated signaling system for detecting targets through one or more given media, comprising:

generating and transmitting a polarization modulated signal in said given media which is the complex conjugate of the polarization modulating response over time of the combined media and target,

solving the wave equation for transmission through said media, reflectance from said target and transmission through said one or more given media, and

adjusting the polarization modulation of said polarization modulated signal to match said polarization response over time for maximum propagation through the one or more given media and maximum reflectance from the target over time.

2. Apparatus for enhancing target detection in a polarization modulated signaling system for detecting targets through one or more given media, means for generating and transmitting a polarization modulated signal in said given media which is the complex conjugate of the polarization modulated response over time of the combined media and target,

means for solving the wave equation for transmission through said media, reflectance from said target and transmission through said media, and

means for adjusting the polarization modulation of said polarization modulated signal to match said polarization modulating response over time for maximum propagation through the media and maximum reflectance from the target over time.