Distribution-based CFAR detectors in SAR images

Abstract As traditional two-parameter constant false alarm rate (CFAR) target detection algorithms in SAR images ignore target distribution, their performances are not the best or near best. As the resolution of SAR images increases, small targets present more pixels in SAR images. So the target distribution is of much significance. Distribution-based CFAR detection algorithm is presented. We unite the pixels around the test cell, and estimate the distribution of test cell by them. Generalized Likelihood Ratio Test (GLRT) is used to deduce the detectors. The performance of the distribution-based CFAR (DBCFAR) detectors is analyzed theoretically. False alarms of DBCFAR detection are fewer than those of CFAR at the same detection rate. Finally experiments are done and the results show the performance of DBCFAR is out of conventional CFAR. False alarms of DBCFAR detection are concentrated while those of CFAR detection are dispersive.