Combination-optimization method for ultra-wide band TEM horn antenna array using micro-genetic algorithm

Finite-difference time-domain method (FDTD) and micro-genetic algorithm (MGA) are combined to optimize time- domain ultra-wide band (UWB) transverse electromagnetic (TEM) horn antenna array. Firstly, FDTD was applied to obtain the time-domain information of elementary antenna. According to principle of superposition, the antenna array could be primarily optimized using MGA without regard to mutual coupling effect. Secondly, the whole antenna array was simulated by FDTD. The first optimal results then acted as the known knowledge to reduce the searching range of MGA and the antenna array was optimized for the second time. Hence, the optimization speed can be greatly accelerated by using combination-optimization method described above while mutual coupling effect is taken into account. As an example, a 4-element UWB planar TEM horn antenna array was optimized to show the validity. The results confirmed it and the computational time decreased by 48.6%.