Phased Arrays for Radio Astronomy, Remote Sensing, and Satellite Communications [Book Review

Abstract

While phased array antenna technology has been discussed since the early 20th century, it could not be more relevant to the present time, in view of modern complex communication protocols, comprehensive global satellite-navigation systems and detailed remote sensing for environment applications. The publication of this book is, therefore, timely. The authors have produced a comprehensive monograph encompassing antenna theory, (noisy) network theory, and computational electromagnetics (CEM), with a strong focus on the radio astronomy application, which is challenged by low signal-to-noise conditions. Therefore, the objectives of the book are twofold, that is, to 1) clearly define the figure of merit and design aspects of the two types of array antennas in radio astronomy based on the IEEE standards and 2) detail the treatment of noise via the stochastic model and procedure to include them within the network theory model. The multidisciplinary nature of the book makes it a valuable resource to a specialized researcher embarking to work on the subject. Readers primarily interested in noisy electromagnetics are introduced to the stochastic model of different types of noise in connection with correlated and uncorrelated noise models. In particular, the extension to noisy microwave networks is discussed in detail with respect to the interface with optimization algorithms, a topic that should attract a wide readership.