From Spins to Beams: Antenna Array Synthesis and Optimization Using Simulated Bifurcations of Parametric Oscillators

The rapid evolution of wireless communication, including the deployment of 5G and the advent of 6G networks, has dramatically increased the complexity of antenna system design and optimization. Traditional optimization methods often show limitations in addressing the high dimensionality, discrete configuration spaces, and complex scattering environments involved in advanced array design and beamforming. This article presents a versatile and novel framework for antenna array synthesis and optimization using simulated bifurcations (SBs) of nonlinear parametric oscillators. The discrete design variables are mapped onto spin states in the Ising model. The optimal antenna configuration is found by solving the ground-state solution of the Hamiltonian function through a quantum-inspired SB algorithm. We demonstrate the proposed work across a range of antenna synthesis scenarios. These include beamforming with conformal arrays, array thinning, maximization of beam efficiency (BE), and sum-rate optimization. The results highlight the potential of the proposed work for addressing complex optimization problems in antenna arrays.