Multiple aperture arrays for optical and radio frequency signals

摘要

A plurality of subaperture arrays which may be disposed within the diameter of the conventional single large aperture in order to achieve improved sidelobe energy characteristics with respect to that of the single large aperture. The apertures may be embodied as optical sources or radio frequency energy sources. The preferred arrangements of the subapertures include dispositions on concentric circles circumscribed within the single large aperture with a single aperture at the center of the large aperture and six, twelve, eighteen, twenty four and so on subapertures disposed on each subsequent concentric circle. One particularly attractive subaperture arrangement includes a total of nineteen subapertures with the outer concentric circle twelve of these subapertures being slightly rotated with respect to those of the inner concentric circles.