Multiparametric analysis and optimization for narrow beams radiating from finite antenna arrays

In this paper, a method to improve radiation characteristics of a finite planar array by introducing small perturbations in patch antenna locations is presented. The dependence of the radiation patterns of an individual antenna element in the array is determined for a restricted range of patch locations relative to the array substrate edge and the neighboring antennae elements. A polynomial interpolation function is utilized to map the geometry variables of each antenna to the corresponding radiation pattern. Optimization schemes are then applied to determine the excitation amplitude, phase, and relative spacing of each antenna. Index Terms--Method of moments (MoMs), model-based parameter estimation, optimization, planar arrays.