Simulation method of ionospheric effects on spaceborne SAR using multiple phase-screen technic

Spaceborne P band SAR echo affected by the ionosphere was simulated using a multiple phase screen (MPS) method. Ionospheric dispersion effects, phase scintillation and amplitude scintillation were included in the simulated echo. The ionosphere was modeled into several thin screens which only changes phase of the signal. Phase scintillation and amplitude scintillation were realized by diffraction effects in vacuum between phase-screens. Diffraction result was reached by solving a parabolic equation of a sphere wave under an inclined incident condition. Ionospheric dispersion, phase scintillation and amplitude scintillation were included in the signal complex amplitude propagating through the multiple phase-screens. Echo spectrum was simulated by multiplication of the transmitted signal spectrum with the ionospheric effected complex amplitude. Simulation results show that the ionospheric dispersion effect, phase scintillation, amplitude scintillation can be included in the echo by the new method. Veritable and reliable data of ionospheric affected spaceborne SAR can be available for further study.