Optimization and Characterization of Near-Field Beams with Uniform Linear Arrays

In this paper, we consider near-field beams that can mitigate signal attenuation and blockage effects using a uniform linear array (ULA). In particular, closed-form expressions for phase distributions in a ULA are derived to generate Bessel beams and curving beams based on the desired propagation directions and trajectories. Based on the phase distributions, the maximum steering angle and propagation distance of Bessel beams with a ULA are revealed. In addition, from the sampling theorem in the spatial domain, the requirements for ULAs to properly generate Bessel beams are clarified. For curving beams, trajectories to reach a user while avoiding one obstacle are designed via the Lagrangian method. Numerical results obtained by electromagnetic wave simulations confirm the effectiveness of the analyses for Bessel beams and the curving beam designs. Furthermore, the characteristics of Gaussian beams, beamfocusing, Bessel beams, and curving beams are summarized in terms of the statistical behavior of their intensity and signal processing.