SAR array synthesis for next generation Earth observation systems

A novel synthesis methodology for fast and robust design of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) arrays for Earth observation is proposed. An innovative integer coding of the discrete problem unknowns (i.e., the magnitude and phase of the array elements in transmission/reception) is introduced to sensibly reduce the dimension of the search space with respect to the standard binary coding and enable the design of large arrangements. Moreover, suitable customizations of the genetic algorithm (GA) operators (i.e., selection, cross-over and mutation) are exploited for an effective exploration of the solutions, by minimizing highly non-linear/unconventional cost functions linked to specific SAR system quality indicators. Some illustrative numerical benchmarks are illustrated in order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed design technique for the synthesis of next generation radars.