Peak sidelobe level reduction with a hybrid approach based on GAs and difference sets

This paper presents an approach for the optimization of the beam pattern produced by massively thinned arrays. The method, which combines the most attractive features of a genetic algorithm and those of a combinatorial technique (namely, the difference sets method), is aimed at synthesizing massively thinned antenna arrays in order to suitably reduce the peak sidelobe level. Selected numerical results are presented in order to assess the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed approach.