Optimization of single transmit pulse shape to maximize detection and identification of ground mobile targets

This paper investigates the optimization of a single transmit pulse shape and the receiver response to maximize either target detection or identity discrimination between two structurally similar ground mobile targets: the T-72 and M1 main battle tanks. This theory incorporates effects due to the uncertainty in the prior knowledge of the target aspect relative to the sensor. The improvement in the signal-to-interference-plus-noise (SINR) resulting from the optimized transmit pulse shape over that of a standard chirped waveform typically lies between 4 dB and 9 dB. Similar improvements in target identification performance are also obtained.