Symmetric linear antenna array geometry synthesis using cuckoo search metaheuristic algorithm

This paper explains the synthesis technique of symmetric linear array geometry with minimum sidelobes and null control using the cuckoo search (CS) algorithm. The CS is a new nature-inspired evolutionary algorithm capable of solving general N-dimensional, linear and nonlinear optimization problems. The newly evolved CS metaheuristic algorithm is easy to understand and to use, which requires simple mathematical pre-processing. The array geometry synthesis is first formulated as an optimization problem with the goal of sidelobe level (SLL) suppression and/or null prescribed placement in certain directions, and then solved by the CS algorithm for the optimum element locations in the azimuth-plane or xy-plane. The optimal inter-element spacing solutions obtained by CS are validated through comparisons with the conventional array, which has the λ/2 inter-element distance.