RAP opportunity at Air Force Science and Technology Fellowship Program AF STFP
Distributed Netted Radar Signal Processing
Location
Sensors Directorate, RY/Sensors Division
opportunity |
location |
|
13.35.01.B7062 |
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 454337542 |
Advisers
name |
email |
phone |
|
Braham Himed |
braham.himed@us.af.mil |
937.713.8124 |
Description
Research opportunities exist in distributed, netted radar systems for detecting difficult (low cross section, low Doppler) targets embedded in severe clutter backgrounds. A distributed network of radars systems, including multiple input multiple output (MIMO), consists of multiple radar stations netted together through data communication links. Traditional netted radar systems normally comprise several monostatic radar systems, each operating at a different carrier frequency to avoid the interference and detection confusion among the radar stations in the system. As a result, the multiple radar stations in the system are incapable of operating in a bistatic or a multistatic mode. The strong capabilities of bistatic and multistatic radar systems are well known. An improved netted radar system is one that can simultaneously operate in both bistatic and monostatic modes. In this case, all radar stations are assumed to operate at the same carrier frequency and are coordinated and controlled by a coherent, signal-level fusion processing unit. Such a system not only significantly improves radar performance in target search, tracking, and recognition, but also effectively addresses emerging radar challenges. However, many fundamental challenges exist and need to be addressed. We seek novel methods of waveform design (specifically orthogonal or quasi-orthogonal waveforms) for proper radar functioning. New and robust adaptive processing techniques capable of operating in both bistatic and multistatic environments are also sought. For airborne and spaceborne applications, the geometry-induced Doppler dispersion significantly degrades the performance of adaptive processing techniques such as Space-Time Adaptive Processing (STAP). Multistatic clutter characterization techniques are also desired for better understanding of the impact of clutter on detection performance in these environments. Finally, depending on whether all data is sent to the fusion processing unit for detection purposes (centralized processing), or individual detections made at the sensor level are sent to the fusion center (decentralized processing), new signal processing techniques are desired that cohere signals across multiple distributed radar apertures.
References
Fishler E, et al: IEEE Transactions on Signal Processing 54(3): 823, 2006
Chen CY, Vaidyanathan PP: IEEE Transactions on Signal Processing 56(2): 623, 2008
key words
Distributed sensing; Netted systems; MIMO radar; Waveform design; Centralized processing; Decentralized processing; Bistatic/multistatic STAP; Fusion processing;
Eligibility
Citizenship:
Open to U.S. citizens
Level:
Open to Postdoctoral applicants
Stipend
Base Stipend |
Travel Allotment |
Supplementation |
|
$95,000.00 |
$5,000.00 |
|
Experience Supplement
Postdoctoral and Senior awardees will receive an appropriately higher stipend based on the number of years of experience past their PhD.
|
Additional Benefits
Relocation
Awardees who reside more than 50 miles from their host laboratory and remain on tenure for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation to within the vicinity of their host laboratory.
Health insurance
A group health insurance program is available to awardees and their qualifying dependents in the United States.