Non-Coherent Video Circular SAR for Moving Target Detection and Refocusing

Abstract

This paper presents the first integrated framework for non-coherent circular SAR (NC-CSAR) and its video extension, namely non-coherent video circular SAR (NC-ViCSAR). The proposed approach combines non-coherent SAR theory with backprojection to enable radar video formation when the transmitted waveform and absolute phase are unknown or unstable. A NC-ViCSAR imaging signal model is developed, and a motion compensation method is introduced to refocus moving targets across sub-aperture frames. Unlike conventional full-aperture NC-SAR, which is mainly suited to static scenes, the proposed NC-ViCSAR framework supports dynamic scene reconstruction, moving-target detection, and trajectory tracking in the presence of static clutter. Simulations with combined static and moving point targets demonstrate effective target reconstruction and improved moving-target discrimination, highlighting the potential of NC-ViCSAR for low-cost and agile sensing platforms such as UAVs.