An Efficient Optimization Algorithm Based on Characteristic Mode Method and Genetic Algorithm for Tightly Coupled Antenna Array

For tightly coupled antenna array, the evaluation of array radiation pattern by using array factor method always lead to unconvincing results, due to the neglect of the strong coupling between array elements. In this paper, an efficient optimization algorithm combining the characteristic mode(CM) method with genetic algorithm for tightly coupled antenna array is proposed. The fitness value of genetic algorithm is calculated by using CM method, which can ensure high calculation accuracy. Numerical example is given to show that the proposed method can be used to optimize the side lobe level(SLL) of the array accurately.