An efficient approach for synthesizing irregularly shaped patterns based on 4D arrays

An efficient approach based on the combination of Woodward-Lawson method and differential evolution algorithm is proposed for synthesizing the irregularly shaped radiation patterns based on 4D planar arrays. Owing to the time-modulation of 4D arrays, the ripples in the coverage area and the side lobe levels are suppressed effectively. By combining the analytical method and optimization algorithm, the optimized time sequences and element excitations can be obtained. Radiation efficiency of time-modulated planar arrays also has been optimized and a significant improvement is achieved. Results of numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.