Electromagnetic radiation from moving, pulsed source distributions: The 3D time-domain relativistic Doppler effect

The pulsed electromagnetic field radiated by distributed electric-current and magnetic-current sources in uniform translational motion is analyzed within the framework of the special theory of relativity. The relevant Lorentz transformations are used to exhibit the general structure of the field as it is experienced by a stationary observer. In particular, the differences in the transmitted and received pulse shapes are discussed, which are manifestations of the 3D time-domain relativistic Doppler effect. Applications are found in Doppler radar and spaceflight telemetry.