Reliability-aware optimization for the sidelobe level of leaky-wave antennas

Abstract

Recently, a framework for optimization of wideband antennas that takes into account antenna parameter tolerances and fabrication uncertainty has been proposed by the authors. In this follow-up paper, we show that the method can be adapted to the optimization for the patterns of leaky-wave antennas (LWAs). In particular, using predetermined tolerances of the manufacturing process, the length of a LWA will be optimized such that the sidelobe level is not higher than -18 dB with a calculated failure probability of less than 1%. The results further demonstrate the flexibility and applicability of the previously proposed method for antenna optimization in general.