On the nonlinear integral transform of an ocean wave spectrum into an along-track interferometric synthetic aperture radar image spectrum

We present a new nonlinear integral transform relating the ocean wave spectrum to the along-track interferometric synthetic aperture radar (AT-INSAR) image spectrum. The AT-INSAR, which is a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) employing two antennas displaced along the platform's flight direction, is considered to be a better instrument for imaging ocean waves than the SAR. This is because the AT-INSAR yields the phase spectrum and not only the amplitude spectrum as with the conventional SAR. While the SAR and AT-INSAR amplitude spectra depend strongly on the modulation of the normalized radar cross section (NRCS) by the long ocean waves, which is poorly known, the phase spectrum depends only weakly on this modulation. By measuring the phase difference between the signals received by both antennas, AT-INSAR measures the radial component of the orbital velocity associated with the ocean waves, which is related to the ocean wave height field by a well-known transfer function. The nonlinear integral transform derived in this paper differs from the one previously derived by Bao et al. [1999] by an additional term containing the derivative of the radial component of the orbital velocity associated with the long ocean waves. By carrying out numerical simulations, we show that, in general, this additional term cannot be neglected. Furthermore, we present two new quasi-linear approximations to the nonlinear integral transform relating the ocean wave spectrum to the AT-INSAR phase spectrum.

Remote sensing of ocean waves by along-track interferometric synthetic aperture radar

A new wave retrieval method for the Along-Track Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (AT-InSAR) phase image is presented. The new algorithm, named parametric retrieval algorithm (PRA), uses the full nonlinear mapping relations. It differs from previous retrieval algorithms in that it does not require a priori information about the sea state or the wind vector from scatterometer data. Instead, it combines the observed AT-InSAR phase spectrum and assumed wind vector to estimate the wind sea spectrum. The method has been validated using several C-band and X-band HH-polarized AT-InSAR observations collocated with spectral buoy measurements. In this paper, X-band and C-band HH-polarized AT-InSAR phase images of ocean waves are first used to study AT-InSAR wave imaging fidelity. The resulting phase spectra are quantitatively compared with forward-mapped in situ directional wave spectra collocated with the AT-InSAR observations. Subsequently, we combine the parametric retrieval algorithm (PRA) with X-band and C-band HH-polarized AT-InSAR phase images to retrieve ocean wave spectra. The results show that the ocean wavelengths, wave directions, and significant wave heights estimated from the retrieved ocean wave spectra are in agreement with the buoy measurements.

Numerical simulation and validation of ocean waves measured by an Along-Track Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar

A new nonlinear integral transform of ocean wave spectra into Along-Track Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (ATI-SAR) image spectra is described. ATI-SAR phase image spectra are calculated for various sea states and radar configurations based on the nonlinear integral transform. The numerical simulations show that the slant range to velocity ratio (R/V), significant wave height to ocean wavelength ratio (H-s/lambda), the baseline (2B) and incident angle (theta) affect ATI-SAR imaging. The ATI-SAR imaging theory is validated by means of Two X-band, HH-polarized ATI-SAR phase images of ocean waves and eight C-band, HH-polarized ATI-SAR phase image spectra of ocean waves. It is shown that ATI-SAR phase image spectra are in agreement with those calculated by forward mapping in situ directional wave spectra collected simultaneously with available ATI-SAR observations. ATI-SAR spectral correlation coefficients between observed and simulated are greater than 0.6 and are not sensitive to the degree of nonlinearity. However, the ATI-SAR phase image spectral turns towards the range direction, even if the real ocean wave direction is 30 degrees. It is also shown that the ATI-SAR imaging mechanism is significantly affected by the degree of velocity bunching nonlinearity, especially for high values of R/V and H-s/lambda.

Remote sensing of ocean waves by polarimetric SAR

A new method to measure ocean wave slope spectra using fully polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (POLSAR) data was developed without the need for a complex hydrodynamic modulation transform function. There is no explicit use of a hydrodynamic modulation transfer function. This function is not clearly known and is based on hydrodynamic assumptions. The method is different from those developed by Schuler and colleagues or Pottier but complements their methods. The results estimated from NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (AIRSAR) C-band polarimetric SAR data show that the ocean wavelength, wave direction, and significant wave height are in agreement with buoy measurements. The proposed method can be employed by future satellite missions such as RADARSAT-2.

Uso de índices de reflectância das folhas para avaliar o nível de nitrogênio em grama-bermuda

A reflectância da folha em determinados comprimentos de onda pode ser uma alternativa para estimar a concentração de nitrogênio (N) na planta, devido à relação entre o teor de clorofila e de N no tecido foliar. Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar índices da cor verde em grama-bermuda para predizer o nível de N na planta. O experimento foi conduzido em área comercial de produção de grama-bermuda, localizada na cidade de Capela do Alto/SP. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos (0, 150, 300, 450 e 600kg de N ha-1) e quatro repetições. Foi avaliada a reflectância das folhas pelo uso de medidor de cor de grama, clorofilômetro, e por meio de análise da imagem digital. O matiz (H) e índice de cor verde escuro (ICVE), calculados com base nos índices de reflectância da imagem digital, o ICVE, obtido com medidor de cor de grama, e a intensidade de coloração verde (ICV), obtida com o clorofilômetro, apresentaram forte correlação positiva com a concentração de N e a taxa de cobertura do solo (TCS) da grama-bermuda, podendo ser utilizados como índices auxiliares na recomendação de adubação nitrogenada para a cultura. Os valores obtidos que podem servir como primeiros índices para avaliação do estado nutricional em N na grama-bermuda Celebration são: H de 88 a 109o e ICVE de 0,54 a 0,66 (imagem digital); H de 67 a 76o e ICVE de 0,41 a 0,44 (medidor de cor da grama TCM 500); e ICV de 374 a 471 (clorofilômetro CM 1000).

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE ATMOSPHERIC EFFECTS ON THE TRANSMISSION OF THERMAL RADIATION

Atmospheric scattering plays a crucial rule in degrading the performance of electro optical imaging systems operating in the visible and infra-red spectral bands, and hence limits the quality of the acquired images, either through reduction of contrast or increase of image blur. The exact nature of light scattering by atmospheric media is highly complex and depends on the types, orientations, sizes and distributions of particles constituting these media, as well as wavelengths, polarization states and directions of the propagating radiation. Here we follow the common approach for solving imaging and propagation problems by treating the propagating light through atmospheric media as composed of two main components: a direct (unscattered), and a scattered component. In this work we developed a detailed model of the effects of absorption and scattering by haze and fog atmospheric aerosols on the optical radiation propagating from the object plane to an imaging system, based on the classical theory of EM scattering. This detailed model is then used to compute the average point spread function (PSF) of an imaging system which properly accounts for the effects of the diffraction, scattering, and the appropriate optical power level of both the direct and the scattered radiation arriving at the pupil of the imaging system. Also, the calculated PSF, properly weighted for the energy contributions of the direct and scattered components is used, in combination with a radiometric model, to estimate the average number of the direct and scattered photons detected at the sensor plane, which are then used to calculate the image spectrum signal to- noise ratio (SNR) in the visible near infra-red (NIR) and mid infra-red (MIR) spectral wavelength bands. Reconstruction of images degraded by atmospheric scattering and measurement noise is then performed, up to the limit imposed by the noise effective cutoff spatial frequency of the image spectrum SNR. Key results of this research are as follows: A mathematical model based on Mie scattering theory for how scattering from aerosols affects the overall point spread function (PSF) of an imaging system was developed, coded in MATLAB, and demonstrated. This model along with radiometric theory was used to predict the limiting resolution of an imaging system as a function of the optics, scattering environment, and measurement noise. Finally, image reconstruction algorithms were developed and demonstrated which mitigate the effects of scattering-induced blurring to within the limits imposed by noise.

Simultaneous display of spectrum and image in a single plane, and the realization of a lensless coherent optical processor

A novel method, designated the holographic spectrum reconstruction (HSR) method, is proposed for achieving simultaneous display of the spectrum and image of an object in a single plane. A study of the scaling behaviour of both the spectrum and the image has been carried out and based on this study, it is demonstrated that a lensless coherent optical processor can be realized.

Simultaneous display of image and spectrum in the same plane: a generalized analysis

A generalized analysis, using the Vander Lugt operational notation, of the building block optical system comprising a single holographic optical element (HOE) for achieving simultaneous display of the spectrum and the image of an object in a single plane, has been carried out. The salient features of this analysis are: (1) it allows comprehensive characterization of the HOE, (2) it provides insights into the many possible configurations for the system, and (3) it explains the existing results in a consistent manner.

Spectrum simulation of rough and nanostructured targets from their 2D and 3D image by Monte Carlo methods

Corteo is a program that implements Monte Carlo (MC) method to simulate ion beam analysis (IBA) spectra of several techniques by following the ions trajectory until a sufficiently large fraction of them reach the detector to generate a spectrum. Hence, it fully accounts for effects such as multiple scattering (MS). Here, a version of Corteo is presented where the target can be a 2D or 3D image. This image can be derived from micrographs where the different compounds are identified, therefore bringing extra information into the solution of an IBA spectrum, and potentially significantly constraining the solution. The image intrinsically includes many details such as the actual surface or interfacial roughness, or actual nanostructures shape and distribution. This can for example lead to the unambiguous identification of structures stoichiometry in a layer, or at least to better constraints on their composition. Because MC computes in details the trajectory of the ions, it simulates accurately many of its aspects such as ions coming back into the target after leaving it (re-entry), as well as going through a variety of nanostructures shapes and orientations. We show how, for example, as the ions angle of incidence becomes shallower than the inclination distribution of a rough surface, this process tends to make the effective roughness smaller in a comparable 1D simulation (i.e. narrower thickness distribution in a comparable slab simulation). Also, in ordered nanostructures, target re-entry can lead to replications of a peak in a spectrum. In addition, bitmap description of the target can be used to simulate depth profiles such as those resulting from ion implantation, diffusion, and intermixing. Other improvements to Corteo include the possibility to interpolate the cross-section in angle-energy tables, and the generation of energy-depth maps.

Illumination-invariant face recognition from a single image across extreme pose using a dual dimension AAM ensemble in the thermal infrared spectrum

Over the course of the last decade, infrared (IR) and particularly thermal IR imaging based face recognition has emerged as a promising complement to conventional, visible spectrum based approaches which continue to struggle when applied in practice. While inherently insensitive to visible spectrum illumination changes, IR data introduces specific challenges of its own, most notably sensitivity to factors which affect facial heat emission patterns, e.g. emotional state, ambient temperature, and alcohol intake. In addition, facial expression and pose changes are more difficult to correct in IR images because they are less rich in high frequency detail which is an important cue for fitting any deformable model. In this paper we describe a novel method which addresses these major challenges. Specifically, when comparing two thermal IR images of faces, we mutually normalize their poses and facial expressions by using an active appearance model (AAM) to generate synthetic images of the two faces with a neutral facial expression and in the same view (the average of the two input views). This is achieved by piecewise affine warping which follows AAM fitting. A major contribution of our work is the use of an AAM ensemble in which each AAM is specialized to a particular range of poses and a particular region of the thermal IR face space. Combined with the contributions from our previous work which addressed the problem of reliable AAM fitting in the thermal IR spectrum, and the development of a person-specific representation robust to transient changes in the pattern of facial temperature emissions, the proposed ensemble framework accurately matches faces across the full range of yaw from frontal to profile, even in the presence of scale variation (e.g. due to the varying distance of a subject from the camera). The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated on the largest public database of thermal IR images of faces and a newly acquired data set of thermal IR motion videos. Our approach achieved perfect recognition performance on both data sets, significantly outperforming the current state of the art methods even when they are trained with multiple images spanning a range of head views.

Image-based visual servoing for the super-orbital re-entry of Hayabusa spacecraft

This paper presents an image-based visual servoing system that was used to track the atmospheric Earth re-entry of Hayabusa. The primary aim of this ground based tracking platform was to record the emission spectrum radiating from the superheated gas of the shock layer and the surface of the heat shield during re-entry. To the author's knowledge, this is the first time that a visual servoing system has successfully tracked a super-orbital re-entry of a spacecraft and recorded its pectral signature. Furthermore, we improved the system by including a simplified dynamic model for feed-forward control and demonstrate improved tracking performance on the International Space Station (ISS). We present comparisons between simulation and experimental results on different target trajectories including tracking results from Hayabusa and ISS. The required performance for tracking both spacecraft is demanding when combined with a narrow field of view (FOV). We also briefly discuss the preliminary results obtained from the spectroscopy of the Hayabusa's heat shield during re-entry.

Rattling modes and the intrinsic vibrational spectrum of beetle-type scanning tunneling microscopes

It is known that the vibrational spectra of beetle-type scanning tunneling microscopes with a total mass of ≈3–4 g contain extrinsic ‘rattling’ modes in the frequency range extending from 500 to 1700 Hz that interfere with image acquisition. These modes lie below the lowest calculated eigenfrequency of the beetle and it has been suggested that they arise from the inertial sliding of the beetle between surface asperities on the raceway. In this paper we describe some cross-coupling measurements that were performed on three home-built beetle-type STMs of two different designs. We provide evidence that suggests that for beetles with total masses of 12–15 g all the modes in the rattling range are intrinsic. This provides additional support for the notion that the vibrational properties of beetle-type scanning tunneling microscopes can be improved by increasing the contact pressure between the feet of the beetle and the raceway.