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Photonics-based broadband radar target simulator for generating micro-Doppler signatures

Optics Letters +

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June 13, 2025

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June 13, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces a novel photonics-based radar target simulator (RTS) to generate Micro-Doppler (MD) signatures. The system successfully simulated human walking and bird flight MD signatures using X-band radar signals.

Area Of Science

  • Radar Systems Engineering
  • Photonics
  • Signal Processing

Background

  • Micro-Doppler (MD) signatures enhance radar target detection and identification capabilities.
  • A significant limitation exists in the availability of broadband radar target simulators (RTSs) capable of generating MD signatures.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To propose and demonstrate a novel photonics-based radar target simulator (RTS).
  • To address the need for broadband RTS capable of generating Micro-Doppler (MD) signatures.

Main Methods

  • Modulating the radar under test (RUT) signal onto a broadband optical source.
  • Tailoring optical spectra to simulate micro-motions.
  • Utilizing frequency-to-time mapping to convert optical spectra into simulated echoes for MD signature generation.

Main Results

  • Successful generation of MD signatures using a photonics-based RTS.
  • Experimental validation with X-band radar signals (4 GHz bandwidth).
  • Demonstrated simulation of MD signatures for human walking and bird flight.

Conclusions

  • The proposed photonics-based RTS is effective in generating complex MD signatures.
  • This technology advances the development of radar systems for target identification.
  • Enables realistic simulation of micro-motions for radar testing and development.