Photonics radar based LSS targets’ postures’ m-D and cadence frequency imaging using empirical wavelet transform technique

Abstract

Developing a photonics radar to detect the combined multiple simultaneous-behaviours/postures of low-slow-small (LSS) aerial targets and appropriately extracting their Doppler profile have become significant to enable air surveillance/security and guidance for unmanned aviation. A CW photonic radar of 5.3 GHz, and an empirical wavelet transform (EWT) based radar signal processing algorithm are developed and their sensing/measurement capabilities are tested with representative LSS target models: two/three blades propeller systems, a warhead-like cone-shaped target and a bionic bird. Open field experiments with different simultaneous-behaviours of these LSS targets are conducted, and performance validation of radar, in terms of micro-Doppler signature extractions, cadence frequency imaging and targets' behavioural parameters measurement, is analysed, quantitatively investigated and the results are presented. All the measurement results keep an average of 99% of agreement with the standard measurement values that evidence the compatibility of developed photonics radar for precision sensing of multiple simultaneous-behaviours/postures of LSS aerial targets. © 2023 The Royal Photographic Society.