High-order angular response beamformer for vector sensors

A linear processing scheme for computing higher-order angular response modes of a vector sensor is described. Examples of modal response beampatterns are presented. The response modes form (in principle) a complete, orthonormal set that can be transformed into steerable sets of one or more directive beams. The linear processing scheme facilitates calibration of vector sensor measurement systems. The angular resolution that can be achieved with the new processing scheme is predicted to be (155/Nm) degrees, where Nm is the highest order of computed response mode, for the higher orders. The number of higher-order response modes appears to be limited only by the computational power available.