Research on Sparse Optimization and Multi-Performance Enhancement of HF-VHF Wideband Radio Array Based on Genetic Algorithm

The HF (High Frequency, 3–30 MHz) to VHF (Very High Frequency, 30–300 MHz) band is a critical observational window in radio astronomy, playing a key role in the study of early-universe reionization, space weather monitoring, and solar physics. This study aims to determine whether a genetic algorithm-optimized sparse configuration of a 64-element planar radio antenna array can minimize the Peak Side Lobe Level (PSLL) and enhance performance, compared to a regular configuration, within the 10–90 MHz frequency range. The core approach is a comparative analysis of PSLL reduction and sensitivity improvement. The radiation patterns of the optimized, sparsely arranged array are accurately computed under wideband conditions. Performance indicators such as PSLL and sensitivity are evaluated and compared with those of a regular array with the same number of elements and bandwidth. The results show: (1) The sparse-optimized array achieves a 1.04 dB reduction in PSLL across the frequency band compared to the regular array. (2) Sensitivity improves significantly at all frequency points, with increases of up to 56% at 10 MHz and 45% at 50 MHz. At 90 MHz, the sensitivity matches that of the regular array. (3) At three representative frequencies (50 MHz, 60 MHz, and 70 MHz), grating lobe suppression tests at different scan angles show that the regular array exhibits prominent grating lobes at specific scan angles (θ = 53° at 50 MHz, θ = 30° at 60 MHz, and θ = 15° at 70 MHz). In contrast, the sparse array shows no observable grating lobes, confirming its superior suppression capability. In conclusion, When the broadband is wide,the genetic algorithm-optimized sparse array outperforms the regular array in PSLL, sensitivity, and scanning range, supporting its use as a better technical solution for radio astronomical observations.