In RADAR systems, what is the purpose of "sidelobe suppression"?

Sidelobe suppression plays a crucial role in RADAR systems by reducing interference from off-axis signals. In the context of RADAR, sidelobes are the unwanted signals that can occur outside the main lobe of the antenna's radiation pattern. These sidelobes can pick up reflections from targets or noise outside the intended detection area, leading to erroneous readings or clutter in the received signals. By implementing sidelobe suppression techniques, the system minimizes these off-axis responses, allowing the RADAR to focus more effectively on targets within the main lobe and improving the clarity and reliability of the data obtained.

On the other hand, enhancing signal strength, increasing pulse duration, and improving sound quality are not directly related to the purpose of sidelobe suppression. These aspects pertain more to signal processing and the characteristics of the RADAR system itself rather than addressing the challenges associated with sidelobes and off-axis interference.