Aperture Field Discretization Method for Array Antenna Using Genetic Algorithm

The antenna aperture field distribution obtained through certain array synthesis methods is continuous, requiring discretization processing to adapt it for array antennas. However, for orbital angular momentum (OAM) antennas, the direct sampling method of discretization can lead to a degradation in radiation pattern characteristics. In response to this issue, this article introduces a new discretization method based on a genetic algorithm. The genetic algorithm is employed to optimize the amplitude distribution of array antenna apertures, ensuring that the sidelobe levels, beamwidth, and null depth of the radiated OAM beams align with those of a continuous aperture case. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed discretization method in mitigating array antenna discretization errors, thereby paving the way for enhanced antenna performance.