Improved Polarimetric Phased Array Calibration Through Adaptive Methods

One major challenge in the calibration of polarimetric phased array radars (PPARs) is variation in the relative amplitudes, phases, and shapes of the horizontally and vertically polarized beams with respect to scan angle. This challenge is compounded by the anticipated need for calibration methods that can be practically implemented in-situ for future operational PPARs. A technique has been developed that utilizes adaptive array processing methods coupled with observations of high-ρ_hv meteorological scatterers to retrieve information about these angular variations. This information could potentially be used to make calibration of Z_DR and ρ_hv over a PPAR’s scan range more robust and accurate without the use of any dedicated equipment or precise knowledge of the polarimetric characteristics of the observed scatterers. The mathematical methods used to perform this retrieval will be described and simulated results will be presented and evaluated.