Optimization of linear array antenna performance

It is well understood that linear antenna arrays having variable inter-element spacing are of interest because of the potential of producing superior performance while possessing fewer elements than equivalent equally spaced structures. By utilizing array inter-element spacings as independent variables, it becomes feasible to approximate a prescribed pattern response more closely than with a uniform array due to the additional degrees of freedom afforded. This paper presents a technique for optimum pattern synthesis of linear uniformly excited arrays by employing nonuniform element spacings which are determined by a nonlinear weighted least squares optimization process. The technique is illustrated for, but not constrained to, linear symmetric arrays.