Radar imaging is a highly developed field that involves a rich variety of mathematical and computational areas, such as electromagnetic theory and partial differential equations, functional analysis, harmonic analysis, coding theory, Lie groups, and statistical signal processing. Still, many challenges remain. For example, more of the physics needs to be incorporated into solutions to the radar inverse problem, including physical scattering mechanisms, multiple scattering, moving objects, and corrections for propagation through random or complex media.

Recent hardware developments make it possible to collect an unprecedented amount of data, sampled at extremely high rates and often including polarimetry, and mathematical techniques are needed for fast, accurate image formation and interpretation of this data. Seismology is faced with many similar mathematical problems; this program provides an opportunity for synergistic development of both fields.

This cluster will bring together laboratory scientists and academic researchers with the overarching goal of advancing the field of radar imaging. Particular attention will be paid to exploring mathematical commonalities between radar and seismic imaging and to possibilities for applying seismic imaging techniques to radar imaging. Specific topics of interest include:

• Statistical methods, including detection theory.


• Imaging moving targets, including moving targets such as wind turbines.


• Imaging extended targets, particularly those with direction-dependent and polarization-dependent reflectivities.


• Imaging under conditions of multiple scattering, including within the target, within the environment, and between both.


• Extraction of information from radar data & radar images, including identification of objects, terrain, and material properties, and identification of activity.


• Waveform design, and application of seismic techniques in the radar context.