Genetic-Ant Colony Optimization algorithm and its application to design of antenna

A hybrid Genetic-Ant Colony Optimization (GACO) algorithm is presented and applied in antenna design. The hybrid algorithm is hybridization between Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm and Genetic algorithm (GA). The algorithm adopts the ability of ACO algorithm to quickly search and the advantage of Genetic Algorithm (GA) to globally search. Therefore it avoids the behavior of ACO to fall into local optimum, and also can be applied to the global continuous optimization problem. In this paper the hybrid algorithm is combined with HFSS (An electromagnetic simulation software) to be applied to design of antenna. The method is illustrated with an example: the design of rectangular microstrip patch antenna with a U-slot for dual band antenna and broad band antenna.