EAS 4870 - Introduction to Radar Remote Sensing

(crosslisted) ECE 4870
(OPHLS-AG, PBS-AS)

Spring (offered alternate years). 3 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: PHYS 2208 or PHYS 2213 or equivalent, or permission of instructor.

D. Hysell.

Fundamentals of radar, antennas, and remote sensing. Exposes students to the principles underlying the analysis and design of antennas used for communication and for radar-related applications. Students also encounter both a mathematical and a practical description of how radars function, how their performance can be optimized for different applications, and how signals acquired by them can be processed. The objective is to familiarize students with a wide variety of radars rather than turn them into practicing radar engineers. Each topic is developed from basic principles so students with a wide variety of backgrounds are able to take the course. Emphasizes radar applications in geophysics, meteorology and atmospheric sciences, and astronomy and space sciences. Gives special attention to radar remote sensing of the Earth from spacecraft.

Outcome 1: Appreciate the historical, scientific, and sociological impact of radar systems.

Outcome 2: Understand the reciprocity theorem and its profound consequences.

Outcome 3: Learn to evaluate antenna performance using analysis and numerical methods, including computer algebra.

Outcome 4: Be able to design antennas, radar systems, and remote sensing experiments for specific tasks.

Outcome 5: Learn to design waveforms and process signals produced by radars and other instruments.