On the design and optimization of biomimetic electrically small antenna arrays

Many small animals and insects possess acute directional hearing capabilities and are able to localize sound sources of interest with an astonishing degree of precision. The auditory systems of such insects are analogous to a two-element antenna array with closely spaced receiving elements. Despite this close spacing, however, the insects can detect the direction of arrival of a sound wave with an amazing degree of precision. In this paper, we discuss electrically small antenna arrays that mimic the sense of directional hearing of small animals and discuss the important design considerations and that must be taken into account in designing these structures.