Tutorial 3.3
Thursday AM, 27 April 2006

STAP Detection Theory
Instructors: Scott Goldstein, SAIC, USA
Michael Picciolo, SAIC, USA

Synopsis: Space-Time Adaptive Processing (STAP) is an advanced signal processing methodology for the Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI) mode of airborne and spaceborne surveillance radar systems. It is used to mitigate motion-induced spread-Doppler clutter that interferes with the echo from ground targets. The course will develop and clearly illustrate the GMTI problem from first principles, showing the need for STAP processing. Traditional STAP processing solutions will be derived from a detection probabilistic perspective - the most pertinent metric for radar. Additionally, the course covers state-of-the-art STAP techniques that address many of the limitations of traditional (ideal) STAP solutions, offering insight into future research trends.

Dr. J. Scott Goldstein is the Manager of Adaptive Signal Exploitation within the Sensor Systems Operation of the SAIC Technology Research Group. He is active in the research and development of next generation radar systems and is a major contributor to the field of optimal and adaptive reduced-rank signal processing and STAP. He is an adjunct member of the engineering faculty in the northern Virginia extension of VPI & State University where he teaches a graduate level course in radar systems. Dr. Goldstein is a Fellow of the IEEE, an author of numerous technical publications, a past tutor at IEEE radar conferences including RADAR 2000, and a member of Sigma Xi, Tau Beta Pi, and Eta Kappa Nu.

Dr. Michael Picciolo is a senior member of the IEEE and a member of the technical staff at SAIC-Chantilly, VA where he is engaged in research in adaptive signal processing. Previously he was with the Naval Research Laboratory where he designed next generation surveillance radar systems and developed novel adaptive signal processing algorithms. His interests include robust statistics and the design of fast converging, adaptive algorithms with application to airborne STAP, advanced shipboard adaptive phased array radars, and radar sidelobe cancellers. He has numerous technical publications in the STAP area. Dr. Picciolo served as Chair of the IEEE Signal Processing chapter, Northern Virginia Section (1999-2003) and as the Section Treasurer for 2003. He co-lectured the STAP II course at Virginia Tech. in 2003 and STAP II tutorials at the IEEE Radar Conferences in 2002 and 2003. He received an IEEE 3rd Millenium Medal in 2000.