Grate Lobes / Side Lobes Suppression for Sparse Array Design by Using Genetic Algorithms

Abstract

Sparse arrays are popular in sonar, ultrasonic imaging and other acoustic equipment. For inter-element spacing larger than one wave length, there will be grate lobes for ordinary sparse array. Using genetic algorithm to optimize array with randomly spaced elements to suppress the grate lobes is introduced in this paper. Fitness function design and variable choosing method for genetic algorithms application in this kind of objects are presented. A single object fitness function instead of multi objects fitness function usually used for array design is proposed.