Multi-channel correction of distorted reflector antennas

This paper describes an adaptive multi-channel technique for correcting antenna pattern errors. Specifically, we consider an antenna comprising 3 parts: a large primary reflector, a small reflectarray and an radio-frequency feed. First, adaptive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) techniques are used to estimate (in situ) the reflectarray's response to signals from known locations. Then, an adaptive optimization algorithm is used to reshape the beam response. Electromagnetic simulations are used to quantify performance as a function of the spatial degrees of freedom. The approach is shown to be effective for many types of reflector distortions. Furthermore, while the analysis is performed for a system with a reflectarray subreflector, the approach is alo applicable to phased-array fed reflector antennas