Brewster Angle Damping Observed in the TerraSAR-X Synthetic Aperture Radar Images of Man-Made Targets

Abstract

This letter shows the phenomena of Brewster angle damping and its implication observed in the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images of concrete constructions, such as a bridge and seawalls over the sea. The Fresnel reflection coefficient of concrete material is close to zero at the Brewster angle for X-band V-polarization microwave. The TerraSAR-X images of Tokyo Bay, Japan, at small incidence angles (20.1 degrees-21.4 degrees) showed strong double-bounce reflection between the sea surface and coastal structure with HH-polarization, whereas very little radar backscatter was observed with VV-polarization. The same little radar backscatter was seen in the images of concrete walls on ground and swamp areas covered with reeds. This effect is illustrated with HH/VV intensity and phase difference images, and ground survey data; its implication is also suggested for a better understanding of polarimetric SAR images.