The synthesis of difference patterns for planar arrays with rectangular and hexagonal lattices

The authors present a method of adapting linear array synthesis techniques appropriate for difference patterns so that they are applicable to the synthesis of planar arrays with difference patterns in a selected principal plane pattern cut. The sidelobes are all equal to or below those of the archetypal linear array, but not unnecessarily low, since this would cause an unwanted increase in the width of the difference pattern principal lobes. The technique in effect provides a structured procedure for spreading-out the linear array excitations, thereby eliminating any guesswork that may be required. The final planar array excitations are very simply related to the excitation coefficients of the archetypal linear array. This means that the technique can be used to rapidly synthesize even very large arrays. The difference pattern for a planar array with hexagonal boundary and lattice is considered as an illustrative result.<>