In this chapter, we consider the design of radar transmit waveforms that are optimal for the purpose of detecting multiple unknown targets in a known interference environment. Specifically, we introduce constraints on the waveform's autocorrelation function, which is of fundamental importance in practice. The incorporation of autocorrelation constraints leaves the problem analytically intractable, and numeric techniques must be employed. We introduce the concept of `waveform-optimized performance' in order to provide a framework for suggesting and analysing various waveform designs. In this context, the eigenfunction waveforms and Neyman-Pearson detectors found elsewhere might no longer be optimal.

Inspec keywords: nonlinear programming; eigenvalues and eigenfunctions; object detection; interference (signal); waveform analysis; radar detection

Other keywords: eigenfunction waveforms; waveform-optimized performance; radar transmit waveforms; waveform designs; interference environment; radar detection; autocorrelation constraints; Neyman-Pearson detectors; radar waveform optimization; waveform autocorrelation function; numeric techniques; multiple unknown targets detection

Subjects: Linear algebra (numerical analysis); Optimisation techniques; Radar equipment, systems and applications; Electromagnetic compatibility and interference; Optical, image and video signal processing