Radar Cross Section

Abstract

Radar cross section (RCS) is a measure of the electromagnetic energy intercepted and reradiated at the same wavelength by any object. The dimensions are those of an area, usually square meters. The object of interest is compared to an idealized object that is large with respect to a wavelength, has an intercept area of one square unit, is perfectly conducting, and reradiates isotropically. It is easy to build an object with these characteristics: A copper sphere is an example. Providing it is large with respect to the wavelength of the incident electromagnetic energy, a copper sphere of projected area 1 m2 has radar cross section (usually indicated by $σ$) of 1 m2 or, for any sphere of radius {\$}{\$}a,a {\backslash}gg {\backslash}frac{\{}{\{}2{\backslash}pi {\}}{\}} {\{}{\backslash}lambda {\}}{\$}{\$}{\$}{\$}{\backslash}sigma = {\backslash}pi a^2 {\$}{\$}