Optimization of waveform and detection threshold for target tracking in clutter

We formulate an optimization problem to obtain the combined sequence of waveform parameters (pulse amplitudes and lengths, and FM sweep rates) and detection thresholds for optimal target tracking in clutter. The optimal combined sequence minimizes a tracking performance index under a set of parameter constraints. The performance index can include the probability of track loss and the estimation accuracy. The effect of the false alarms and clutter interferences is taken into account in quantifying the performance index. A measurement model is developed based on the resolution cell in the delay-Doppler plane for a Gaussian pulse. Numerical experiments were performed to solve the optimization problem for several example problems.