Orbital angular momentum radar detection characteristics analysis based on ambiguity function

Yin Dang, Deyu Li, Yusheng Fu, Yi Liao

Abstract: As a new radio wave carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM), the vortex beam brings a breakthrough to the radar system. To better apply the vortex wave to the radar imaging and remote sensing fields, it is necessary to analyze the nature of the OAM signal. This paper utilizes the radar ambiguity function (AF) as an effective tool to evaluate the resolution performance of the vortex radio beam. The theoretical AF formulations of the OAM signal are deduced. The corresponding properties are given as well. On this basis, the AFs of single- and multi-mode OAM waveforms are compared with classical linear frequency modulation (LFM), nonlinear frequency modulation (NLFM), and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveforms. Simulation results are provided to validate the resolution performance of the OAM signals.