The application of a biquadratic programming method to phase only optimization of antenna arrays

Antenna array optimization by a biquadratic programming method is formulated with variable-phase (analog and digital) and constant amplitude excitation. The method can optimize an antenna performance index expressible as a ratio of Hermitian quadratic forms. Power gain optimization and least-squares pattern synthesis with a specified gain are illustrated. Linear, planar, and circular arrays with dipole or circular loop elements are optimized, taking mutual coupling effects between antenna elements into account. The method shows much more rapid convergence characteristics than the Rosenbrock (1960) and Fletcher-Power (1963) methods.>