Sparse linear nested array for active sensing

Sparse sensor arrays can match the performance of fully populated arrays using substantially fewer elements. However, finding the array configuration with the smallest number of elements is generally a computationally difficult problem. Consequently, simple to generate array configurations that may be suboptimal are of high practical interest. This paper presents a novel closed-form sparse linear array configuration designed for active sensing, called the Concatenated Nested Array (CNA). The key parameters of the CNA are derived. The CNA is also compared to the optimal Minimum-Redundancy Array (MRA) in numerical simulations. The CNA is shown to require only about 10% more elements than the MRA in the limit of large apertures.