Antenna synthesis and optimization using generalized characteristic modes

A set of modes called generalized characteristic modes is described. Previously developed characteristic modes exhibit orthogonality properties over an obstacle surface as well as the complete sphere at infinity. The generalized characteristic modes described here also exhibit orthogonality properties over the obstacle surface, but rather than showing orthogonality over the sphere at infinity, they are orthogonal over any region of space, similar to generalized Inagaki modes. Theories developed for antenna pattern synthesis and directivity optimization using generalized Inagaki modes can be applied in an entirely parallel fashion using generalized characteristic modes. Comparisons are made between generalized characteristic modes and generalized Inagaki modes through three examples