Design and Calibration of the PHARUS Polarimetric Airborne SAR
conference paper
The PHARUS system uses a phased array antenna with solid state amplifiers. The project consisted of two phases, a definition phase and a realization phase. The definition phase consisted of the actual realization of a SAR research system called PHARS, which made its first successful testflight in November 1990. The research system is based on the concept of a wide beamwidth antenna, rigidly fixed to the aircraft. Pulse compression and a high PRF ensure sufficient sensitivity in this system, which is equipped with a 160 Watt peak pulse power solid state transmitter. The processing is done off-line. In the realization phase the Polarimetric PHARUS system has been developed. The design is based on the experience gained with the PHARS system. The system uses a phased array with dual polarized patch radiators and is equipped with solid state amplifiers. This paper will give an overview of the PHARUS design and operational use. Apart from the use as an advanced Polarimetrie airbome SAR, there is the perspective of using PHARUS as a demonstrator for ESA's future ASAR system.
Topics
TNO Identifier
95039
Publisher
Environmental Research Institute of Michigan (ERIM)
Source title
Proceedings of the Second International Airborne Remote Sensing Conference and Exhibition - Technology, Measurement & Analysis, 24-27 June 1996, San Francisco, CA. USA. Volume 3
Place of publication
Ann Arbor, MI
Pages
III/183-III/190