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To address the low-resolution imaging problem in relation to traditional Range Doppler (RD) algorithm, this paper intends to propose a new algorithm based on Fractional Fourier Transform (FrFT), which proves highly advantageous in the acquisition of high-resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images. The expression of the optimal order of SAR range signals using FrFT is deduced in detail, and the corresponding expression of the azimuth signal is also given. Theoretical analysis shows that, the optimal order in range (azimuth) direction, which turns out to be very unique, depends on the known imaging parameters of SAR, therefore the engineering practicability of FrFT-RD algorithm can be greatly improved without the need of order iteration. The FrFT-RD algorithm is established after an analysis of the optimal timefrequency transform. Experimental results demonstrate that, compared with traditional RD algorithm, the main-lobe width of the peak-point target of FrFT-RD algorithm is narrow in both range and azimuth directions. While the peak amplitude of the first sidelobe is reduced significantly, those of other side-lobes also drop in various degrees. In this way, the imaging resolution of range and azimuth can be increased considerably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional Range Doppler (RD) algorithm is unable to meet practical needs owing to the limit of resolution. The order of fractional Fourier Transform (FrFT) and the length of sampling signals affect SAR imaging performance when FrFT is applied to RD algorithm. To overcome the above shortcomings, the purpose of this paper is to propose a high-resolution SAR image algorithm by using the optimal order of FrFT and the sample length constraints for the range direction. The expression of the optimal order of SAR range signals via FrFT is deduced in detail. The initial sample length and its constraints are proposed to obtain the best sample length of SAR range signals. Experimental results demonstrate that, when the range sampling-length changes in a certain interval, the best sampling-length will be obtained, which the best values of the range resolution, PSLR and ISLR, will be derived respectively. Compared with traditional RD algorithm, the main-lobe width of the peak-point target of the proposed algorithm is narrow in the range direction. While the peak amplitude of the first side-lobe is reduced significantly, those of other side-lobes also drop in various degrees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]