Path-following algorithm for passive localization of near-field sources

Presents a new algorithm for passive localization of multiple narrow-band near-field sources using a uniform linear array. The algorithm is computationally efficient and has global convergence. It minimizes the MUSIC cost function with respect to the source ranges and bearings, subject to geometrical constraints imposed by the curvature of the received wavefronts. It is shown that, when the cost function is expanded in a two-dimensional power series in the Fresnel region, the estimation problem reduces to one of solving a set of two coupled two-dimensional polynomial equations. The proposed algorithm solves this nonlinear problem using a modification of the path-following (or homotopy) method.<>