System and method for designing phase shift patterns in a programmable microwave antenna array

摘要

An antenna array 50 is used in a microwave imaging system 10 to capture a microwave image of a target 155 and is selectively programmed to optimise one or more parameters of the microwave imaging system. The antenna array includes a plurality of antenna elements 80, each capable of being programmable with a respective phase shift to direct a beam of microwave radiation towards the target such that the microwave radiation from each of the plurality of antenna elements arrives at the target substantially in phase. To optimise a parameter of the microwave imaging system, the phase shifts of selective antenna elements are altered, while still maintaining the substantially in phase microwave radiation at the target. The parameter to be optimised may be the ratio of constructive interference of the microwave radiation at the target and destructive interference of the microwave radiation at the microwave receiver.