Beam shaping with phased array antennas by controlling merely the phase distribution

The principles of phase controlled beam shaping are demonstrated. An algorithm for computing the required phase across the aperture for given amplitude distribution and radiation pattern is developed. Examples of beam broadening and shaping are presented. It is shown that radiation patterns of any specified shape may be approximated by manipulating the phase on the aperture leaving the amplitude distribution undisturbed. Using the phase algorithm it is possible to construct shaped beams in order to improve the performance of a radar system.