Array realization of complex-source beam

An array is constructed to radiate the far-field pattern of a single complex point source. For any nonzero error tolerance, the physical dimension of the array is smaller (sometimes much smaller) than the diameter of the branch-cut disk of the complex point source. The inverse source problem is formulated for non-resonant arrays with reactive zones that do not extend significantly beyond the physical dimensions of the array. Both time-harmonic and pulsed beams are considered. In numerical examples, each array element consists of real point sources in an end-fire configuration. •We construct an array that radiates the far-field pattern of a single complex point source.•The inverse source problem is formulated for non-resonant arrays.•We consider both time-harmonic and pulsed beams.•Numerical examples use array elements with sidelobes.