A Maximum Likelihood Method for Joint DOA and Polarization Estimation Based on Manifold Separation

The use of the polarization diversity of a target signal at a polarization-sensitive antenna array can enhance the target detection and tracking capabilities of a radar. In this article, the manifold separation steering vector modeling technique is used to develop a maximum likelihood method for joint direction of arrival (DOA) and polarization estimation. Manifold separation can incorporate antenna array nonideal characteristics (e.g., cross polarization, mutual coupling) into the estimation algorithm using array calibration measurements. In the proposed technique, the estimation problem is formulated as a generalized Rayleigh quotient minimization problem that is transformed into a determinant minimization problem. Both the azimuth and elevation angles are estimated using the fast Fourier transform. Unlike the existing manifold separation based polarimetric element space (PES) multiple signal classification method and the PES Capon method, the proposed method can obtain DOA and polarization estimates based on very small-size primary data samples, even with a single sample, which makes the proposed method more suitable for nonstationary target polarization. The performance of the proposed method is demonstrated through simulations. The Cramer–Rao lower bound for joint DOA and polarization is also used for comparison with empirical errors.