Synthesis method of conformal arrays using a weighted inner product

Conformal arrays can provide a wider range of scanning angles for phased arrays than their planar counterparts. Despite the potential of their applications, theories of analysis and synthesis of conformal arrays have yet to be perfected. One challenging problem is how to handle the different orientations of radiating elements which invalidates the pattern separation principle applicable in linear and planar cases, and makes the classical array synthesis methods unusable. We investigate a new approach based on inner products, akin to the Fourier method for planar structures, to synthesize the far field patterns of conformal arrays. We introduce a special form of inner product for this purpose. Preliminary results with cylindrical arrays show that the non-iterative method is feasible, simple and fast.