Compensation for synthetic aperture sonar motion errors using antofocusing technique - Simulation results

Aperture Synthesis is a technique used to produce high-resolution images using a relatively small sensor fixed on a moving platform. The technique is based on storing successive snapshots of the target's scene as the platform moves then process the collected data as if it has been received from a large physical aperture. This will produce a high-resolution image of the target scene. The technique has been successfully used in astronomy and in both satellite and aircraft borne radar. However, its use in sonar was limited mainly due to the difficulties in maintaining stable track in water, which causes blurring in the images produced. In this study, the use of Autofocusing technique to reduce the effects of motion errors in Synthetic Aperture Sonar is investigated. Results showed that Autofocus is very effective in removing the effects of motion errors and in restoring the focus of synthetic aperture sonar images.