Optimized Sparse Sampling Lattices

Sparse sampling approaches have been widely studied to achieve less complex measurement systems while maintaining detection performance. In this paper, we derive a new gradient implementation of an alternating projections algorithm that determines the optimal locations for spatial samples in a sparse array lattice. In a second phase of the sparse array design, an adaptive beamformer is used to further reduce the overall sidelobe level. Simulated results show a significant reduction in grating lobes. The approach described herein is useful in wideband synthetic aperture channel sounding applications where reducing the spatial sample set has the potential to significantly reduce data acquisition time.