Optimizing the Radiation Pattern of a MEMS-Based Reflectarray Using a Genetic Algorithm for Beam Steering Applications

In this work, we consider the criteria for a good radiation pattern and employ a genetic algorithm (GA) to conFigure a MEMS-based reflectarray accordingly. We propose and numerically compare several fitness functions for three different single-objective optimization problems: maximizing the directivity in a specific direction, minimizing the sidelobe level, and steering a null in the direction of an interferer as the main beam stays fixed. As a proof of concept, we carry out a radiation pattern measurement of a static reflectarray. Its measured broadband characteristics as well as its main beam and sidelobes at the design frequency agree with the calculated results based on the proposed mathematical model.