Pattern synthesis for conformal arrays

Pattern synthesis consists of finding weight coefficients, both in amplitude and phase, for the antenna element signals in a phased array so that the the radiation pattern becomes as close, in some meaning, to the desired pattern as possible. Here the phase of the radiation is considered unimportant which affects both the methods used and the obtainable results. For conformal, i.e. non-planar arrays where no symmetry can be utilized, numerical methods must be used. Here we discuss this problem both generally but in particular the "Alternating projection" method on sets consisting of desirable patterns and realizable patterns respectively. The application of this method on conformal arrays with full polarimetry is discussed. The method has been implemented in a Matlab program and a simple example is given.