Observation and explanation of an unusual feature of random arrays with a nearest-neighbor constraint

When a nearest-neighbor constraint (which prevents elements from lying closer than some specified distance from each other) is imposed on a large random planar array of isotropic radiators, the corresponding radiation pattern contains a region around the main beam where random sidelobes are suppressed. This effect is mostly clearly manifested if the array is densely packed, i.e. if the array contains nearly the maximum number of elements consistent with the chosen constraint. A theory to account for this effect is developed.<
>