Target Detection Using Rank-1 Polarimetric Processing

In this letter, we present a new algorithm for the detection of objects embedded in unwanted background signal. We employ systems in radar and optics capable of measuring the full polarimetric response via either the Mueller matrix or the complex scattering matrix. We first solve an optimization problem to find the maximum signal in the null subspace of the unwanted background. We then detail two levels of algorithm: the first restricted to backscatter systems (such as radar) when the dimensionality of the problem reduces, and also for the full bistatic general case suitable for optical analyses. We present examples to illustrate the application in radar ship detection and aerosol particle discrimination in optics.