Efficient Numerical Analysis of Arrays of Identical Elements with Complex Shapes

A fast method-of-moments approach is proposed for the solution of finite arrays of complex identical elements, involving both metal and finite dielectric parts. The method is based on the use of Macro Basis Functions (MBF), also named "Characteristic" Basis Functions, among which interactions are computed very fast with the help of a Multipole approach. Fast evaluation of array patterns or embedded element patterns is obtained through decomposition into a finite series of pattern multiplication problems. Examples are provided for finite arrays of bowtie antennas embedded in dielectric boxes. For periodic arrays, results are compared with infinite-array solutions. The method is also extended to non-periodic structures, for which the Multipole approach appears very useful for interactions outside the near-field region. We show that interactions in the near-field region can benefit from an interpolation procedure