Passive 3D interferometric ISAR using target‐borne illuminator of opportunity

This study proposes a new idea for forming three‐dimensional (3D) passive inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) images. Two main innovations are presented, the first that is related to the use of a dual interferometer and the second that considers the illuminator of opportunity (IO) located on the target to be imaged. A theoretical approach was proposed in a previous study that demonstrated passive ISAR imaging with a target‐borne IO in the 2D domain. In the present study, such approach is extended to a full 3D case. A complete theoretical derivation is proposed for the formation of point‐like 3D ISAR images when using target‐borne IOs. Simulations are used to produce some examples. Practical issues and limitations are also discussed.