Phase-Only Antenna Array Synthesis with Beam/Null Steering Capabilities for Propagation Impairment Mitigation in Coastal Environment

From an electromagnetic point of view, coastal environments undoubtedly belong to the class of the so-called harsh propagation environments. This is due to both human-related activities and natural hazards that characterize these ecosystems, whose proper monitoring is of paramount importance. The use of remotely sensed measurements has become a reality since many decades. Within this context, antenna arrays may play a very important role. In this paper the influence of a coastal environment on the antenna pattern is firstly analyzed. Then, a method of synthesis is proposed, which can mitigate unwanted effects arising from both natural and human-related characteristics of these harsh propagation environments, making it possible, for example, ships and autonomous vehicles detection, tracking, and navigation.