Application of L1 reconstruction of sparse signals to ambiguity resolution in radar

The objective of the proposed research is to develop a new algorithm for range and Doppler ambiguity resolution in radar detection data using L1 minimization methods for sparse signals and to investigate the properties of such techniques. This novel approach to ambiguity resolution makes use of the sparse measurement structure of the post-detection data in multiple pulse repetition frequency radars and the resulting equivalence of the computationally intractable L0 minimization and the surrogate L1 minimization methods. The ambiguity resolution problem is cast as a linear system of equations which is then solved for the unique sparse solution in the absence of errors. It is shown that the new technique successfully resolves range and Doppler ambiguities and the recovery is exact in the ideal case of no errors in the system. The behavior of the technique is then investigated in the presence of real world data errors encountered in radar measurement and detection process. Examples of such errors include blind zone effects, collisions, false alarms and missed detections. It is shown that the mathematical model consisting of a linear system of equations developed for the ideal case can be adjusted to account for data errors. Empirical results show that the L1 minimization approach also works well in the presence of errors with minor extensions to the algorithm. Several examples are presented to demonstrate the successful implementation of the new technique for range and Doppler ambiguity resolution in pulse Doppler radars.MSCommittee Chair: Richards, Mark; Committee Member: Lanterman, Aaron; Committee Member: Romberg, Justi