Power pattern synthesis of arbitrary sources exploiting array methods

The aim of this communication is to show the usefulness of an alternative representation of the field radiated by an arbitrary source enclosed in a convex domain, the reduced radiated field, for studying the fundamental limitations to the corresponding radiated fields. In particular, simple formula can be derived for the beamwidth between the first nulls in the radiation pattern and for the values of the radiated field in the different directions of interest, for several geometries of practical interests. The above formula also allow to study the steering capability of the sources, thus emphasizing that the radiated beam broadens as it is scanned off broadside and to know the amount of its degradation. Then, starting from the reduced radiated field, a new and effective power pattern synthesis strategy is proposed and discussed. Numerical examples, confirming the usefulness and convenience of the proposed methods and tools are also reported.