Modelling and estimation of mutual coupling between array elements

The adverse effect of mutual coupling between the elements of an array, on the performance of super-resolution techniques is demonstrated. An analytical modelling of the mutual coupling is presented, and its effects are modelled in the form of a complex square matrix, the mutual coupling matrix (MCM). The MCM depends on the array geometry and the array electrical characteristics, but not on the direction of the incoming signals. Based on the modelling of the mutual coupling effects, a new technique is proposed for estimating the mutual coupling matrix of an array of general geometry. The proposed method employs one pilot source, and uses an extra element at some distance away from the original array