Coherent source location using a pattern diversity technique

Abstract

A high-resolution pattern diversity method is presented for resolving multiple coherent plane waves impinging on a linear array. In this method, use is made of several different choices for the common directional response or array pattern to form an averaged covariance matrix. A full rank (equal to the number of plane wave arrivals) signal-only covariance matrix can be achieved in the presence of multiple coherent sources, irrespective of the coherence structure. The underlying method does not require a uniform array, and can also be implemented using subarrays to effect the pattern diversity. The theoretical development of the method along with simulation results are provided.