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Engineering topics

Berkowitz, R. S.

Publications and source records attributed to Berkowitz, R. S..

Random sampling adaptively focusing synthetic aperture radar

A high resolution narrow angle of view imaging radar system is considered that employs an airborne synthetic aperture of 600 meters operating at X-band to produce a beamwidth of approximately 0.05 mr. This system differs from a conventional SAR in that only a smaller number of wavefront samples, spaced randomly over the aperture are processed, and adaptive beamforming with open loop scanning is used. As a result, the processing requirements are reduced to within the capability of present day small computer technology, and the tolerance on flight stability is loosened by about 100:1. The system is described and initial analysis and evaluation results are presented.

Powers, E. N.↗

Study of large adaptive arrays for space technology applications

The research in large adaptive antenna arrays for space technology applications is reported. Specifically two tasks were considered. The first was a system design study for accurate determination of the positions and the frequencies of sources radiating from the earth's surface that could be used for the rapid location of people or vehicles in distress. This system design study led to a nonrigid array about 8 km in size with means for locating the array element positions, receiving signals from the earth and determining the source locations and frequencies of the transmitting sources. It is concluded that this system design is feasible, and satisfies the desired objectives. The second task was an experiment to determine the largest earthbound array which could simulate a spaceborne experiment. It was determined that an 800 ft array would perform indistinguishably in both locations and it is estimated that one several times larger also would serve satisfactorily. In addition the power density spectrum of the phase difference fluctuations across a large array was measured. It was found that the spectrum falls off approximately as f to the minus 5/2 power.

Berkowitz, R. S.↗

Research in large adaptive antenna arrays

The feasibility of microwave holographic imaging of targets near the earth using a large random conformal array on the earth's surface and illumination by a CW source on a geostationary satellite is investigated. A geometrical formulation for the illuminator-target-array relationship is applied to the calculation of signal levels resulting from L-band illumination supplied by a satellite similar to ATS-6. The relations between direct and reflected signals are analyzed and the composite resultant signal seen at each antenna element is described. Processing techniques for developing directional beam formation as well as SNR enhancement are developed. The angular resolution and focusing characteristics of a large array covering an approximately circular area on the ground are determined. The necessary relations are developed between the achievable SNR and the size and number of elements in the array. Numerical results are presented for possible air traffic surveillance system. Finally, a simple phase correlation experiment is defined that can establish how large an array may be constructed.

Berkowitz, R. S.↗

Microwave holographic imaging of aircraft with spaceborne illuminating source

The conceptual development of a method for the high angular resolution and accurate angular position estimates for the surveillance and traffic control of aircraft is considered. A target volume several hundred kilometers in diameter is illuminated by a CW microwave source located on a satellite in geosynchronous orbit. Signals are received by a large array of random, conformally located receiving elements. Each element receives the direct signal from the satellite plus signals reflected from aircraft in the illuminated volume. Coherent combination of the signals received from the individual elements permits the equivalent of holographic imaging or multiple beam formation from which the useful target data can be obtained.

Berkowitz, R. S.↗