Polarimetric radar covariance matrix algorithms and applications to meteorological radar data

Characterization of backscatter from complex or nonstationary targets, which is partially polarized, is considered first. The possibility of constructing the covariance matrix from coherency matrix measurements is investigated, and examples using practical polarization diversity radar data from meteorological targets are given. From examining the practical data, it is found that, for this type of target, reflection symmetry exists, thus giving indication about the physical properties of the medium. In particular, this shows that models, in which symmetrical distributions of both canting angle and shapes are assumed, are sufficient. Using the obtained matrix, propagation effects are examined under that assumption. Since the theory developed is amenable to implementation using a unique microwave circuit, results should have direct practical applications.