Experimental Evaluation of Polarimetric Ground Based Synthetic Aperture Radar Imaging using Portable VNA

This paper presents the findings of a comprehensive polarimetric Ground-based Synthetic Aperture Radar (GBSAR) imaging study conducted using a portable Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) as the primary radar instrument. The study was undertaken to acquire preliminary knowledge in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensor technology at the Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency for environmental remote sensing monitoring. In this study, we employed four corner reflectors and two tiny Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) as our designated targets. The data-gathering process was conducted in a strip-map stop-and-go mode, utilizing a portable two-port Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) and two horn antennas. The study was conducted within a controlled indoor setting to assess the focusing capabilities and obtain polarimetric picture data. The Back-Projection Algorithm (BPA) is subsequently employed to acquire the image outcomes and validate the position of each target. Theoretical analysis was conducted on the geometrical configuration of the test, and initial considerations were made regarding the strategies for focussing. Ultimately, the campaign outcomes were processed and analyzed, yielding results that align closely with the underlying theoretical framework.