DOA estimation using vector sensor arrays

We consider the problem of estimating the azimuth and elevation angle of sources using a vertical line array of vector sensors. Three alternative direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimators are considered. The first approach uses beam cross-correlation. The other two approaches are element-space and beamspace versions of an eigenvector-normalization scheme in which the eigenvector is normalized by its omni-directional component. The performance of these DOA estimators is evaluated for a vertical line array of 2D vector sensors (DIFARs) using simulation scenarios that involve mostly 3D isotropic noise and either no interferer or one loud interferer at various separation distances from a weak target.