An Auto-focusing Algorithm for Monopulse Imaging Technique

To overcome the deterioration of azimuth resolution caused by errors of monopulse response curve (MRC) in practical processing, this paper proposes an autofocusing algorithm for monopulse imaging technique. By applying iterative steps, this algorithm automatically extracts the echo signals of isolated strong scatterers from the received data, and employs them to accurately estimate the actual MRC. The estimated curve is then used in the procedure of monopulse imaging to autofocus the image in azimuth. As is verified by simulation and experimental results, this algorithm can effectively reduce the impact of MRC errors on monopulse imaging and is robust to most of the ground scenes, making it feasible in practical processing.