Optimization of linear sparse array antennas consisting of electromagnetically coupled apertures

A design technique for sparse array configurations consisting of dielectric-filled, open-ended waveguide antennas is discussed. The position of the elements in the thinned array are determined by applying a genetic algorithm that searches for configurations with the lowest side-lobe level. By employing as design parameter the relative inter-element spacing, the formulated optimization problem allows for an arbitrary deployment of the elements on the aperture. The design strategy accounts for the mutual coupling between elements, as well. To this end, an efficient technique for estimating the Generalized Scattering Matrix of a-periodic arrays is proposed.