In this chapter, we give an informal review of probability theory and other matters that are of relevance to the modelling of clutter and its impact on radar systems. Our selection of topics is rather eclectic and our treatment pragmatic; the principal aim is to remove those obstacles to the evaluation of radar performance presented by any unfamiliarity with the concepts and practice involved in calculating probabilities. Much fuller accounts can be found in standard texts such as in References 1 and 2. By collecting together the relevant definitions and didactic developments, we also ensure a greater continuity, and brevity, in our discussions in other chapters of the book.

Chapter Contents:

• 5.1 Introduction
• 5.2 Finite numbers of discrete events
• 5.3 An infinite number of discrete events
• 5.4 Continuous random variables
• 5.5 Functions of random variables
• 5.6 The normal process
• 5.7 The time evolution of random processes
• 5.8 Power spectra and correlation functions
• 5.9 The complex Gaussian process
• 5.10 Spatially correlated processes
• 5.11 Stochastic differential equations and noise processes
• 5.12 Miscellaneous results
• 5.12.1 Correcting moments for the effect of noise
• 5.12.2 Correcting the moments for a limited number of samples
• 5.12.3 Order statistics
• 5.12.4 Sequential testing
• References

Inspec keywords: radar theory; probability

Other keywords: probability theory; radar systems; radar performance

Subjects: Other topics in statistics; Radar theory; Probability theory, stochastic processes, and statistics