An analysis of fully polarimetric W-band ISAR imagery on seven scale model main battle tanks for use in target recognition.

Fully polarimetric high-resolution W-Band target signature data has been collected on 7 high fidelity1/16(th) scale model main battle tanks. Data has been collected at several different elevation angles and target poses. Additionally, targets have been measured both on 1/16th scale simulated ground terrain and in free-space. ISAR images were formed from this data for use in several different target identification algorithms. These algorithms include using the data in both linear and circular polarization. The results of the inter-comparisons of the data using different algorithms are presented. Where possible the data has been compared with existing W-Band full-scale field measurements. The data is taken using a 1.55THz compact range designed to model W-Band. The 1.55THz transceiver uses two high-stability optically pumped far-infrared lasers, microwave/laser Schottky diode side-band generation for frequency sweep, and a pair of Schottky diode receivers for coherent integration.