MASCOT: Mask-Assisted Spatial Control Optimization Technique for UWB MIMO Array Topology Design

This letter proposes the Mask-Assisted Spatial Control Optimization Technique (MASCOT) for designing multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) planar arrays in ultrawideband (UWB) near-field imaging scenarios. Unlike conventional methods relying on limited two-dimensional (2D) or single-point optimization, MASCOT establishes a new paradigm through comprehensive three-dimensional (3D) point spread function (PSF) control across the region of interest (ROI). This is achieved by a mask-assisted energy-concentrating evaluation metric that drives the designed array's PSF toward a target response. The resulting array demonstrates superior results in PSF simulations, consistently maintaining the lowest peak sidelobe levels (PSL) across all test positions among the compared arrays. Together, these achievements contribute to the advancement of array design for enhanced high-resolution 3D imaging.