This course covers the history and fundamental principles of synthetic aperture radar image formation processing (SAR-IFP). Topics included a review of linear systems theory, an introduction to radar systems, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) concepts, exposure to commonly used spotlight and stripmap image formation algorithms, and autofocus. The course concludes with a discussion on linear frequency modulated continuous wave (LFM-CW) SAR systems that are often fielded on very small, low-cost, low power platforms. Spotlight mode image formation algorithms covered in this course include the Polar Formatting Algorithm (PFA) and the Backprojection Algorithm. Stripmap mode image formation algorithms addressed include the Range-Doppler Algorithm and the Omega-K Algorithm. Along the way, a variety of remote sensing and linear systems theory will be employed to provide specific insight into the following system performance metrics: image size, area rate, resolution, impulse response, noise equivalent backscatter coefficient, residual quadratic phase error, depth of focus, and geometric distortion.

This is a graduate-level course on a topic that is not part of the formal curriculum. This course is structured as an ordinary course and has specific prerequisites, contact hours, and examination procedures.