Optimal configuration and weighting of nonuniform arrays according to a maximum ISLR criterion

Proposes of a method for optimizing configuration and weighting of linear or planar arrays. The criterion chosen for the optimization is the maximization of the integrated sidelobe ratio (ISLR), defined as the ratio between the energy of the mainlobe and the energy of the sidelobes of the system impulse response. The choice of the ISLR allows us to take into account, in the optimization procedure, two important quality factors: resolution and contrast. The nonuniform spacing of the resulting optimized array breaks the regularity responsible for the formation of the so called grating lobes. The method can then be used also as a tool for reducing the number of elements in an array strictly necessary for achieving some desired performance