The root-trajectory method--A tool for analyzing linear adaptive arrays

A root-trajectory method is described that seeks to obviate the need for an extensive set of antenna patterns to describe the behavior of an adaptive array during its adaptation process. This aim is achieved by use of Schelkunoff's idea of describing a linear array in terms of an array polynomial. The roots of this polynomial have a direct interpretation in obtaining the array gain, and the trajectories of these roots during the adaptation process give a simple visualization of the dynamic behavior of the adaptive array.