Plasma Antenna Technology: Chapter 1: Introduction

Plasma Antenna Technology
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Initiative
The plasma antenna R&D project has proceeded over the last year at the
Australian National University in response to a DSTO (Defence Science and
Technology Organization) contract to develop a new antenna solution that
minimizes antenna delectability by radar. Since then, an investigation of the
wider technical issues of existing antenna systems has revealed areas where
plasma antennas might be useful. The project attracts the interest of the
industrial groups involved in such diverse areas as fluorescent lighting,
telecommunications and radar. Plasma antennas have a number of potential
advantages for antenna design.
When a plasma element is not energized, it is difficult to detect by radar. Even
when it is energized, it is transparent to the transmissions above the plasma
frequency, which falls in the microwave region. Plasma elements can be
energized and de–energized in seconds, which prevents signal degradation.
When a particular plasma element is not energized, its radiation does not affect
nearby elements. HF CDMA Plasma antennas will have low probability of
intercept( LP) and low probability of detection( LPD ) in HF communications.
Initial studies have concluded that a plasma antenna's performance is equal to a
copper wire antenna in every respect. Plasma antennas can be used for any
transmission and/or modulation technique: continuous wave (CW), phase
modulation, impulse, AM, FM, chirp, spread spectrum or other digital
techniques. And the plasma antenna can be used over a large frequency range
up to 20GHz and employ a wide variety of gases (for example neon, argon,
helium, krypton, mercury vapor and xenon). The same is true as to its value as a
receive antenna.
1.2 Organization of the Report
This report provides an overview of the subject Augmented Reality, its
requirements and applications.
The outline of the report is as follows –
Chapter 2 provides the historical background of the subject.
Chapter 3 provides idea about the hardware requirements for the
implementation of the subject in daily life. It also introduces different
technologies used for the implementation.
ECE Department, JSSATEB Page 1

Chapter 4. enclose the parameters and characteristics.

Chapter 5 it includes the benefits and encloses different application areas where
the plasma antenna can be very useful.
1.3 PLASMA ANTENNA TECHNOLOGY
Since the discovery of radio frequency ("RF") transmission, antenna design has
been an integral part of virtually every communication and radar application.
Technology has advanced to provide unique antenna designs for applications
ranging from general broadcast of radio frequency signals for public use to
complex weapon systems. In its most common form, an antenna represents a
conducting metal surface that is sized to emit radiation at one or more selected
frequencies. Antennas must be efficient so the maximum amount of signal
strength is expended in the propogated wave and not wasted in antenna
reflection. Plasma antenna technology employs ionized gas enclosed in a tube
(or other enclosure) as the conducting element of an antenna. This is a
fundamental change from traditional antenna design that generally employs
solid metal wires as the conducting element. Ionized gas is an efficient
conducting element with a number of important advantages. Since the gas is
ionized only for the time of transmission or reception, "ringing" and associated
effects of solid wire antenna design are eliminated. The design allows for
extremely short pulses, important to many forms of digital communication and
radars. The design further provides the opportunity to construct an antenna that
can be compact and dynamically reconfigured for frequency, direction,
bandwidth, gain and beam width. Plasma antenna technology will enable
antennas to be designed that are efficient, low in weight and smaller in size than
traditional solid wire antennas.
When gas is electrically charged, or ionized to a plasma state it becomes

conductive, allowing radio frequency (RF) signals to be transmitted or received.
We employ ionized gas enclosed in a tube as the conducting element of an
antenna. When the gas is not ionized, the antenna element ceases to exist. This
is a fundamental change from traditional antenna design that generally employs
solid metal wires as the conducting element. We believe our plasma antenna
offers numerous advantages including stealth for military applications and
higher digital performance in commercial applications. We also believe our
technology can compete in many metal antenna applications. Our initial efforts
have focused on military markets. General Dynamics' Electric Boat Corporation
sponsored over $160,000 of development in 2000 accounting for substantially

all of our revenues. Initial studies have concluded that a plasma antenna's
performance is equal to a copper wire antenna in every respect. Plasma antennas
can be used for any transmission and/or modulation technique: continuous wave
(CW), phase modulation, impulse, AM, FM, chirp, spread spectrum or other
digital techniques. And the plasma antenna can be used over a large frequency
range up to 20GHz and employ a wide variety of gases (for example neon,
argon, helium, krypton, mercury vapor and Zenon). The same is true as to its
value as a receive antenna.
1.4UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF A PLASMA ANTENNA

One fundamental distinguishing feature of a plasma antenna is that the gas
ionizing process can manipulate resistance. When deionized, the gas has infinite
resistance and does not interact with RF radiation. When deionized the gas
antenna will not backscatter radar waves (providing stealth) and will not absorb
high-power microwave radiation (reducing the effect of electronic warfare
countermeasures). A second fundamental distinguishing feature is that after
sending a pulse the plasma antenna can be deionized, eliminating the ringing
associated with traditional metal elements. Ringing and the associated noise of a
metal antenna can severely limit capabilities in high frequency short pulse
transmissions. In these applications, metal antennas are often accompanied by
sophisticated computer signal processing. By reducing ringing and noise, we
believe our plasma antenna provides increased accuracy and reduces computer
signal processing requirements. These advantages are important in cutting edge
applications for impulse radar and high-speed digital communications. Based on
the results of development to date, plasma antenna technology has the following
additional attributes:
1)No antenna ringing provides an improved signal to noise ratio and reduces
multipath signal distortion.
2)Reduced radar cross section provides stealth due to the non-metallic elements.
3)Changes in the ion density can result in instantaneous changes in bandwidth
over wide dynamic ranges.
4)After the gas is ionized, the plasma antenna has virtually no noise floor.
5)While in operation, a plasma antenna with a low ionization level can be
decoupled from an adjacent high-frequency transmitter.

6)A circular scan can be performed electronically with no moving parts at a

higher speed than traditional mechanical antenna structures.
7)It has been mathematically illustrated that by selecting the gases and changing
ion density that the electrical aperture (or apparent footprint) of a plasma
antenna can be made to perform on par with a metal counterpart having a larger
physical size.
8)Our plasma antenna can transmit and receive from the same aperture provided
the frequencies are widely separated.
9) Plasma resonance, impedance and electron charge density are all dynamically
reconfigurable. Ionized gas antenna elements can be constructed and configured
into an array that is dynamically reconfigurable for frequency, beamwidth,
power, gain, polarization and directionality - on the fly.
10) A single dynamic antenna structure can use time multiplexing so that many
RF
1.5 PSiAn Plasma Antennas
Plasma Antennas leads the world in developing low cost plasma beamforming
devices across the band 1 GHz to 100 GHz. Plasma Antennas’ PSiAn
technology is unique in that it exploits the reflective electromagnetic properties
of solid-state plasmas to produce very low insertion loss beamforming devices.
Conventional microwave and millimetre wave devices have been produced
using relatively expensive materials and processes, restricting their application
to specialist areas, such as satellite links, military radars and aircraft landing
systems. Plasma Antennas’ PSiAn technology is based on well-established
silicon integrated circuit manufacturing techniques. These techniques already
support the precisions required at higher frequencies without any addition
processing or cost.
Unlike conventional microwave and millimetre wave devices, the production
costs of PSiAn antennas do not increase with frequency. In addition, at higher
frequencies, smaller areas of silicon are required to implement plasma devices,
further reducing unit costs.
The significant cost savings provided by Plasma Antennas’ PSiAn technology
will allow mass market applications to be addressed, such as Wireless Gigabit
and Intelligent Transport Systems.

1.6 MARKET APPLICATIONS OF PLASMA TECHNOLOGY

Plasma antennas offer distinct advantages and can compete with most metal
antenna applications. The plasma antenna's advantages over conventional metal
elements are most obvious in military applications where stealth and electronic
warfare are primary concerns. Other important military factors are weight, size
and the ability to reconfigure. Potential military applications include:
1)Shipboard/submarine antenna replacements.

2)Unmanned air vehicle sensor antennas.
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV; also known as a unmanned aircraft system
(UAS) or sometimes incorrectly referred to as a remotely piloted vehicle or
RPV) is an aircraft that is flown by a pilot or a navigator (called Combat
Systems Officer on UCAVs) depending on the different Air Forces; however,
without a human crew on board the aircraft.
Unmanned aircraft are uniquely capable of penetrating areas which may be too
dangerous for piloted craft. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) began utilizing the Aerosonde unmanned aircraft
system in 2006 as a hurricane hunter.
3)IFF ("identification friend or foe") land-based vehicle antennas.
In telecommunications, identification, friend or foe (IFF) is an identification
system designed for command and control. It is a system that enables military,
and national (civilian-located ATC) interrogation systems to identify aircraft,
vehicles, or forces as friendly, and to determine their bearing and range from the
interrogator.
4)Stealth aircraft antenna replacements.
This antenna is designed to be immune from detection by radar even as it
transmits and receives low-frequency radio waves.
5)Broad band jamming equipment including for spread-spectrum emitters.
6)ECM (electronic counter-measure) antennas.
An electronic countermeasure (ECM) is an antennas are designed to trick or
deceive radar, sonar or other detection systems, like infrared (IR) or lasers. It
may be used both offensively and defensively to deny targeting information to
an enemy. The system may make many separate targets appear to the enemy, or

make the real target appear to disappear or move about randomly. It is used
effectively to protect aircraft from guided missiles. Most air forces use ECM to
protect their aircraft from attack. It has also been deployed by military ships and
recently on some advanced tanks to fool laser/IR guided missiles. It is
frequently coupled with stealth advances so that the ECM systems have an
easier job.
7)Phased array element replacements.
8) EMI/ECI mitigation
9)Detection and tracking of ballistic missiles
10)Side and back lobe reduction
Military antenna installations can be quite sophisticated and just the antenna
portion of a communications or radar installation on a ship or submarine can
cost in the millions of dollars. Plasma antenna technology has commercial
applications in telemetry, broad-band communications, ground penetrating
radar, navigation, weather radar, wind shear detection and collision avoidance,
high-speed data (for example Internet) communication spread spectrum
communication, and cellular radiation protection.
1.7ADVANTAGES:
The advantage of a plasma antenna is that it can appear and disappear in a few
millionths of a second. This means that when the antenna is not required, it can
be made to disappear, leaving behind the gas – filled column that has little
effect on the electromagnetic fields in the proximity of the tube. The same will
be true for fibre glass and plastic tubes, which are also under consideration. The
other advantage of plasma antenna is that even when they are ionized and in use
at the lower end of the radio spectrum, say HF communications, they are still
near transparent to fields at microwave frequencies. The same effect is observed
with the use of ionosphere, which is plasma. Every night amateur radio
operators bounce their signals off the ionosphere to achieve long distance
communications, whilst microwave satellite communication signals pass
through the ionosphere.
The following technological concepts are important to plasma antennas:
1.Higher power
Increased power can be achieved in the plasma antenna than in the
corresponding metal antenna because of lower Ohmic losses. Plasmas have a

much wider range of power capability than metals as evident from low powered
plasma in fluorescent bulbs to extremely high-powered plasmas in the Princeton
University experimental fusion reactors.
In this range, a high-powered plasma antenna is still low powered plasma. Since
plasmas do not melt, the plasma antennas can provide heat and fire resistance.
The higher achievable power and directivity of the plasma antenna can enhance
target discrimination and track ballistic missiles at the S and X band.
2. Enhanced bandwidth
- By the use of electrodes or lasers the plasma density can be controlled. The
theoretical calculations on the controlled variation of plasma density in space
and time suggest that greater bandwidth of the plasma antenna can be achieved
than the corresponding metal antenna of the same geometry. This enhanced
bandwidth can improve discrimination.
3. EMI/ECI
- The plasma antenna is transparent to incoming electromagnetic signals in the
low density or turned off mode. This eliminates or diminishes EMI/ECI thereby
producing stealth. Several plasma antennas can have their electron densities
adjusted so that they can operate in close proximity and one antenna can operate
invisible to others. In this physical arrangement mutual side lobe and back lobe
clutter is highly reduced and hence jamming and clutter is reduced.
4. Higher efficiency and gain
- Radiation efficiency in the plasma antenna is higher due to lower Ohmic
losses in the plasma. Standing wave efficiency is higher because phase
conjugate matching with the antenna feeds can be achieved by adjusting the
plasma density and can be maintained during reconfiguration. Estimates
indicate a 20db improvement in antenna efficiency.
5. Reconfiguration and multi functionality

- The plasma antenna can be reconfigured on the fly by controlled variation of
the plasma density in space and time with far more versatility than any
arrangement of metal antennas. This reduces the number of required elements
reducing size and weight of shipboard antennas. One option is to construct
controlled density plasma blankets around plasma antennas thereby creating
windows (low-density sections of the blanket) for main lobe transmission or

reception and closing windows (high-density regions in the plasma blanket).

The plasma windowing effect enhances directivity and gain in a single plasma
antenna element so that an array will have less elements than a corresponding
metal antenna array. Closing plasma windows where back lobes and side lobes
exist eliminates them and reduces jamming and clutter. This sidelobe reduction
below 40db enhances directivity and discrimination. In addition, by changing
plasma densities, a single antenna can operate at one bandwidth (e.g.
communication) while suppressing another bandwidth (e.g. radar).
6. Lower noise
- The plasma antenna has a lower collision rate among its charge carriers than a
metal antenna and calculations show that this means less noise.
7. Perfect reflector
- When the plasma density is high the plasma becomes a loss-less perfect
reflector. Hence there exist the possibilities of a wide range of lightweight
plasma reflector antennas.
1.8Radio Antenna Made of Plasma
A prototype antenna made with plasma.

A radio antenna made of electrified gas could lead to stealthy, jamming-
resistant transmitters, research now reveals.
Electrified gas, or plasma, makes up stars and lighting and is what sheds light in
fluorescent light. Sealed glass, ceramic or even flexible plastic tubes of plasma
can behave just like conventional metal antennas.
Scientists are now developing remarkably simple and rugged plasma antenna
prototype that could soon find use in the military or telecommunications.
These antennas only work when energized, effectively vanishing when turned
off, with the plasma reverting back to normal gas. This is key for stealth on the

battlefield—metal antennas can scatter incoming radar signals, giving away

their presence.
In addition, to counteract jamming attempts, plasma antennas can rapidly adjust
which frequencies they broadcast and pick up by changing how much energy
the plasma is given. This way, they avoid interference from enemy signals.
Metal antennas, on the other hand, are each forced to receive and transmit only
a given range of frequencies, making them vulnerable to jamming.
The fact that plasma antennas can get reconfigured to broadcast and receive a
wide range of frequencies also means "you can create a kind of 'all-in-one'
antenna, with one plasma antenna performing the jobs of several metal
antennas,"
These plasma antennas use inert noble gases such as neon, and do not get very
hot when turned on. Anderson and his colleagues are currently experimenting
with plasma in glass tubes, but to make them more rugged, they plan in the
future to use ceramic tubes encased in heat-resistant synthetic foam "almost as
hard as steel," he said.
The scientists are currently developing a "smart" plasma antenna that can steer a
beam of radio waves 360 degrees to scan a region and then find and lock onto
transmitting antennas. A comparable radio array using metal antennas would be
much larger and heavier, Anderson said. The scientists plan to complete their
commercial prototype by the end of November 2008.
The researchers detailed their findings Nov. 12 at the American Physical
Society's plasma physics division meeting in Orlando.
1.9Plasma Generation and Containment

For antenna applications the plasma must be maintained in precise spatial
distributions, such as filaments, columns, or sheets. The plasma volume can be
contained in an enclosure (tube) or suspended in free space. Compositions that
may be used to form plasma in a tube include gases of neon, xenon, argon,
krypton, hydrogen, helium, and mercury vapor. Energizing the plasma can be
accomplished with electrodes, fiber optics, microwave signals, lasers, RF
heating, or electromagnetic couplers. The tube confines the gas and prevents
diffusion. The radiation pattern is controlled by parameters such as plasma
density, tube shape, and current distribution.

A conventional tube has the disadvantage of requiring two or more contacts

(electrodes) for applying the ionizing potential. As an alternative, a surface
wave can be used to excite the plasma from a single end.
The surface space-charge wave 2 is electro-mechanical in nature. A time-
harmonic axial electric field is applied a one end of the plasma column. Charges
are displaced and restoring electric fields are set up in response to the applied
field. The charges remain balanced in the interior of the plasma, but the electric
field causes a deformation of the plasma surface that results in a surface charge
layer.
Plasma antenna technology employs ionized gas enclosed in a tube (or other
enclosure) as the conducting element of an antenna. This is a fundamental
change from traditional antenna design that generally employs solid metal wires
as the conducting element. Ionized gas is an efficient conducting element with a
number of important advantages. Since the gas is ionized only for the time of
transmission or reception, "ringing" and associated effects of solid wire antenna
design are eliminated. The design allows for extremely short pulses, important
to many forms of digital communication and radars.
The design further provides the opportunity to construct an antenna that can be
compact and dynamically reconfigured for frequency, direction, bandwidth,
gain and beam width. Plasma antenna technology will enable antennas to be
designed that are efficient, low in weight and smaller in size than traditional
solid wire antennas.
antenna. When the gas is not ionized, the antenna element ceases to exist. This
is a fundamental change from traditional antenna design that generally employs
solid metal wires as the conducting element.
We believe our plasma antenna offers numerous advantages including stealth
for military applications and higher digital performance in commercial
applications. We also believe our technology can compete in many metal
antenna applications. Our initial efforts have focused on military markets.
General Dynamics' Electric Boat Corporation sponsored over $160,000 of
development in 2000 accounting for substantially all of our revenues.
Initial studies have concluded that a plasma antenna's performance is equal to a
copper wire antenna in every respect. Plasma antennas can be used for any

transmission and/or modulation technique: continuous wave (CW), phase

modulation, impulse, AM, FM, chirp, spread spectrum or other digital
techniques. And the plasma antenna can be used over a large frequency range
up to 20GHz and employ a wide variety of gases (for example neon, argon,
helium, krypton, mercury vapor and Zenon). The same is true as to its value as a
receive antenna.
Chapter 2
LITERATURE SURVEY
A newer application of the plasma antenna is in the development and evolution
of anti-crash features found on many newer makes and models of automobiles.
Integrated with the on board computer system of the automobiles, the feature
can interface with wireless technology to identify potential crash incidents and
take evasive measures to prevent or at least lessen the severity of the impact.
Newer systems with plasma antenna technology can note when a vehicle
traveling in front has stopped suddenly and automatically begin to reduce speed
and apply breaks in order to avoid a collision. In a similar approach, this type of
technology can also identify situations in which the driver is veering slightly
onto the shoulder and take specific steps to get the car back on the road. For
travellers who may be weary and not concentrating on the road properly,
technology of this type can go a long way toward preventing injuries and even
minimizing the number of deaths from road related accidents
This is a fundamental change from traditional antenna design that generally
employs solid metal wires as the conducting element. We believe our plasma
antenna offers numerous advantages including stealth for military applications
and higher digital performance in commercial applications. We also believe our
technology can compete in many metal antenna applications. Our initial efforts
have focused on military markets. General Dynamics' Electric Boat Corporation
sponsored over $160,000 of development in 2000 accounting for substantially
all of our revenues.
The design further provides the opportunity to construct an antenna that can be
compact and dynamically reconfigured for frequency, direction, bandwidth,
gain and beam width. Plasma antenna technology will enable antennas to be
designed that are efficient, low in weight and smaller in size than traditional
solid wire antennas.

Chapter 3
CONSTRUCTION AND ANALYSIS
3.1. Experimental Setup of Plasma Antenna
The plasma antenna is constructed from the 12 mm outer diameter and 10 mm
inner diameter and 10 mm inner diameter glass tube, and in-side is filled with
Ar gas. On both side of the tube are two hollow cathode type cylindrical
electrodes shown in figure 4.1.Two wires connect electrodes with a high voltage
power sup-ply. When the plasma is first turned on, the applied volt-age has to
exceed the breakdown voltage of roughly 1.5 KV, and then the discharge turns
into current control mode at a fixed voltage of 800 V - 850 V. The discharge
current ranges from 5A to 25A, the diameter of the plasma column is about 18
mm.
Figure 4.1. The Structure of The Plasma Antenna Excited By High Voltage.

The diagram and the experimental photos of the mono-pole plasma antenna
excited by the surface wave are given in Figures 4.2. The plasma frequency of
the AC-biased plasma antenna is about 8 GHz. A network analyzer is connected
to two copper foils that couple the signal to the plasma antenna. The copper
foils are 3 cm wide, two coupling locations were tested, at the bottom end and at
the center of the tube, but only the end coupling case is presented here.
Figure 4.2. The Structure of The Monopole Plasma Antenna Excited By Surface
Wave

3.2. Experimental Analysis Plasma Antenna
In Figure 4.3, the gain of the AC-biased plasma antenna and the plasma antenna
excited by surface wave are. schematically presented, from which we can see
that the AC-biased plasma antenna has a larger gain compared to the plasma
antenna excited by the surface wave, when the electron-ion temperature and the
density of the plasma antenna are both high.
Figure 4.3. The Gain of The Plasma Antenna AC-Biased And The Plasma
Antenna Excited By The Surface Wave.
In the Figure 4.4, the gain of the plasma antenna of AC-biased and the surface
wave excited in the lower electron temperature are given, the plasma density of
antenna and the electron temperature of plasma antenna are both low. From
Figure 4.4, it can be found that when the frequency of signal is below 4 GHz,
the plasma antenna excited by the surface wave has a larger gain, when the
frequency of the signal is above 4 GHz, the AC-biased plasma antenna has a
larger gain. It also can be concluded that the AC-biased plasma antenna has a

larger gain than that of the plasma antenna excited by the surface wave in most
cases.
Figure 4.4. The Gain Of The Plasma Antenna AC-Biased And The Plasma
Antenna Excited By The Surface Wave.
In Figure 4.5, the gain of AC-biased plasma antenna of the different excited
power are given, from the results above, it can found that the different excited
power will lead to the different gain of the plasma antenna, and the higher
excited power can cause the higher gain of the plasma antenna, and when the
power is high enough and the density of the plasma antenna changes slightly
and the gain of the plasma antenna presents stable and reaches the larger value.
From the figures mentioned above, We can conclude that the plasma antenna of
AC-biased and excited by the surface wave exhibit the same general trend of
rising gain, especially when the frequency is above 8 GHz.

Figure 4.5. The Gain of The Plasma Antenna AC-Biased.

3.2.2. Radiation Pattern
The Figures 4.6 and 4.7 are the radiation pattern of the plasma antenna and the
signal frequency is 8 GHz. From the figurers, we can see the radiation pattern of
the plasma antenna of AC-biased and excited by the surface wave. The radiation
pattern of the AC-biased plasma antenna has a larger gain and good direction
performance, and the radiation pattern of the plasma antenna excited by the
surface wave presents abnormal distribution in some directions which may
caused by the non-uniform distribution of the plasma, and the energy absorbing
in some part of the plasma antenna excited by the surface wave also leads the
abnormality of the radiation pattern.
Figure 4.6. The Radiation Pattern Of The Plasma Antenna.

Figure 4.7. The Radiation Pattern Of The Plasma Antenna

The Figure 4.8 is the radiation pattern of AC-biased plasma antenna of the
different AC power, and with the increase of power, and presents good
directional performance. So if we control the excited power properly, the
radiation pattern of the plasma antenna can be con-trolled and it can be used in
the communication system.
Figure 4.8. The Radiation Pattern Of The Plasma Antenna

3.3 Characteristics
One fundamental distinguishing feature of a plasma antenna is that the gas
ionizing process can manipulate resistance. When de-ionized, the gas has
infinite resistance and does not interact with RF radiation. When de-ionized the
gas antenna will not backscatter radar waves (providing stealth) and will not
absorb high-power microwave radiation (reducing the effect of electronic
warfare countermeasures).
A second fundamental distinguishing feature is that after sending a pulse the
plasma antenna can be de-ionized, eliminating the ringing associated with
traditional metal elements. Ringing and the associated noise of a metal antenna
can severely limit capabilities in high frequency short pulse transmissions. In
these applications, metal antennas are often accompanied by sophisticated
computer signal processing. By reducing ringing and noise, we believe our

plasma antenna provides increased accuracy and reduces computer signal

processing requirements. These advantages are important in cutting edge
applications for impulse radar and high-speed digital communications.
Based on the results of development to date, plasma antenna technology has the
following additional attributes:
No antenna ringing provides an improved signal to noise ratio and reduces
multipath signal distortion.
Reduced radar cross section provides stealth due to the non-metallic elements.
Changes in the ion density can result in instantaneous changes in bandwidth
over wide dynamic ranges.
After the gas is ionized, the plasma antenna has virtually no noise floor.
While in operation, a plasma antenna with a low ionization level can be
decoupled from an adjacent high-frequency transmitter.
A circular scan can be performed electronically with no moving parts at a
higher speed than traditional mechanical antenna structures.
It has been mathematically illustrated that by selecting the gases and changing
ion density that the electrical aperture (or apparent footprint) of a plasma
antenna can be made to perform on par with a metal counterpart having a larger
physical size.
Our plasma antenna can transmit and receive from the same aperture provided
the frequencies are widely separated.
Plasma resonance, impedance and electron charge density are all dynamically
reconfigurable. Ionized gas antenna elements can be constructed and configured
into an array that is dynamically reconfigurable for frequency, beam width,
power gain, polarization and directionality - on the fly.
A single dynamic antenna structure can use time multiplexing so that many RF
subsystems can share one antenna resource reducing the number and size of
antenna structures.
Chapter 4
SYSTEM DESIGN
4.1Plasma Theory:

A plasma can be generated from neutral molecules that are separated into
negative electrons and positive ions by an ionization process (e.g., laser heating
or spark discharge). The positive ions and neutral particles are much heavier
than the electrons, and therefore the electrons can be considered as moving
through a continuous stationary fluid of ions and neutrals with some viscous
friction. Furthermore, the propagation characteristics of electromagnetic (EM)
waves in a uniform ionized medium can be inferred from the equation of motion
of a single “typical” electron. Such a medium is called a “cold plasma.” This
model would be rigorous if the ionized medium was comprised entirely of
electrons that do not interact with the background particles (neutrals and ions)
and posses thermal speeds that are negligible with respect to the phase velocity
of the EM wave.
The intrinsic impedance of the plasma medium is
Figure 3.1 shows the magnitude of the reflection coefficient at an infinite plane
boundary between plasma and free space, which is given by the formula
The impedance of free space is ho 377 ohms. From the figure 3.1 it is evident
that at frequencies below the plasma frequency, the plasma is a good reflector.

Figure 3.1: Reflection Coefficient For A Plane Wave Normally Incident On A

Sharp Plasma/Air Boundary ( Ne =1´1012 /m3, n = 0 , dashed line is the plasma
frequency, fp = 8.9 MHz).
The loss in decibels per meter (dB/m) is
Loss is plotted in Figure 3.2 for several electron densities. This shows that
plasma can be a good absorber once the EM wave enters the plasma medium, a
feature that has been exploited in the design of plasma radar absorbing material
(RAM) for stealth applications.
Figure 3.2: Loss In db/m Below The Plasma Frequency For Several Electron
Densities (v=0).
For neutral plasma the positive and negative charges are uniformly distributed,
so that on a macroscopic scale it is electrically neutral. Plasma oscillations (or
space-charge oscillations) can arise when a disturbance causes a displacement
of the charges, which sets up an electric field that acts to restore them to their
equilibrium positions. However, inertia carries the charges back past their
neutral positions and an opposite electric field is set up. In the absence of
collisions (damping) the back and forth plasma oscillations continue
indefinitely.

Plasma oscillations generally do not propagate in cold plasma unless it has a

drift velocity, or is finite and has normal modes that arise from boundary
conditions. An example of the second case is a plasma column having a sharp
boundary with a vacuum or dielectric. In addition to modifying the EM wave, a
longitudinal wave arises, analogous to a sound wave in non-ionized gas. These
waves are variously referred to as plasma, electrostatic, space-charge, or
electro-acoustical waves.
In a “warm plasma” the electron thermal velocity cannot be ignored, but non-
relativistic mechanics still apply. The spatial variations (gradients) in
temperature and density over a wavelength drive the particle currents, along
with the electric field of the EM wave passing through. Generally, for antenna
applications, a cold plasma can be assumed.
When a magnetic field or density gradient is present, space-charge waves may
couple to EM waves. Electrons with thermal speeds close to the phase velocity
of the EM wave can exchange energy with the wave by the processes of Landau
damping and Cerenkov radiation. These processes are exploited in some
commonly used devices such as linear accelerators and traveling-wave tubes.
4.1Plasma Antenna Technology:

Since the discovery of radio frequency (RF) transmission, antenna design has
been an integral part of virtually every communication and radar application.
Technology has advanced to provide unique antenna designs for applications
ranging from general broadcast of radio frequency signals for public use to
complex weapon systems. In its most common form, an antenna represents a
conducting metal surface that is sized to emit radiation at one or more selected
frequencies. Antennas must be efficient so the maximum amount of signal
strength is expended in the propagated wave and not wasted in antenna
reflection.

Plasma antenna technology employs ionized gas enclosed in a tube (or other
enclosure) as the conducting element of an antenna. This is a fundamental
change from traditional antenna design that generally employs solid metal wires
as the conducting element. Ionized gas is an efficient conducting element with a
number of important advantages. Since the gas is ionized only for the time of
transmission or reception, "ringing" and associated effects of solid wire antenna
design are eliminated. The design allows for extremely short pulses, important
to many forms of digital communication and radars.
antenna. When the gas is not ionized, the antenna element ceases to exist.
4.3Antenna and Transmission Line Applications

This section describes several antenna and transmission line concepts that
incorporate plasmas.
4.3.1 Plasma Mirrors (Reflectors) and Lenses
Figures 3.3 and 3.4 depict reflector antennas that use a plasma sheet in place of
a solid conductor as the reflecting surface. The reflections actually occur within
the plasma, not at an abrupt interface as they do for a metal reflector. For the
purpose of ray tracing the reflection is considered to occur at a “critical surface”
that lies somewhere inside of the plasma (similar to the virtual reflection point
when tracing rays through the ionosphere). The advantages of these antennas

are rapid inertia-less two-dimensional scanning, frequency selectivity by setting

the plasma parameters, and potential wideband frequency performance. In one
approach, a laser beam and optics generate a reflecting surface by using a
sequence of line discharges that diffuse together to form a sheet of plasma.
Curvature can be obtained in one dimension (i.e., a singly curved reflector).
Figure 3.3.plasma mirror using a laser
Figure 3.4 Plasma Mirror Using A Chamber
A high-quality plasma reflector(shown in fig.3.5) must have a critical surface

that can be consistently reproduced and is stable over the transmission times of
interest. When the plasma is turned off, its decay time will limit how fast the

reflecting surface can be moved. Turn-on and turn-off times of 10 microseconds

have been achieved.
Figure 3.5. Plasma reflector
Above the plasma frequency, its shape and dielectric properties can be designed
to act as a lens. For example, a column with circular cross section and varying
radial electron density can be used to scan a beam passing through it. This
concept has been demonstrated using a helicon wave to excite the plasma. The
frequency of the deflected beam was 36 GHz, the peak density approximately
7´1018 /m3, and the insertion loss ~2.0 dB. The sweep time for a 30-degree
scan was 200 microseconds, which was limited by the decay rate of the plasma.
Figure3.6 shows a comparison of radiation patterns from plasma and metal
reflector antennas. The plasma antenna shows lower side lobes, especially at
wide angles, due to its higher surface resistivity compared to a solid conductor.

Figure 3.6: Comparison Of Radiation Patterns From Plasma And Metal

Reflectors
4.3.2. Linear and Loop Antennas With Plasma Enclosures

The first plasma antenna concepts were essentially linear antennas with
conductors replaced by plasmas. The basic concept is illustrated in Figure 3.7
for a loop-shaped antenna. The gas can be ionized using electrodes with
sufficient voltage, or by using an EM field to excite the gas.
An Ionization Using Electrodes
Figures 3.7 and 3.8 show two of the many designs that incorporate closed tubes
of gas excited by voltages applied to electrodes. Figure 3.6 is reconfigurable in
that one or more plasma paths can be excited. Different paths would be used in
different frequency bands. The gas contained in a tube can be ionized by lasers
or high power microwave beams.

Figure 3.7: Loop Antenna
Figure 3.8 Antenna That Can Be Reconfigured By Selecting One of Multiple

Plasma Paths (Dashed Lines)
B Ionization Using an Electromagnetic Field
It is desirable to have only a single electrode in order to minimize the scattering
and interference of the antenna feed and support structure with the radiated or
received EM field. A surface wave can be used to excite a tube of gas from one
end, as shown in Figure 3.9. The electric field in the gap excites a surface space-

charge wave that propagates down the walls of the tube and eventually ionizes
the gas inside.
Figure 3.9: The Surfatron Feed. Left: Operational Principle. Right: Hardware
Implementation

Figure 3.10: An Operational HF Monopole With Surface Wave Excitation
4.4.Linear Antennas and Transmission Lines by Ionizing the Atmosphere

Linear plasma filaments can be generated by ionizing the atmosphere. As
discussed previously, when trying to establish a highly ionized path from the
source, the problem of opacity due to absorption occurs. There are two
approaches that avoid this problem. One is to ionize a path using multiple lasers
sequentially focused to points in space (Figure 3.11).
Figure 3.11: Ionization of A Path in The Atmosphere Using Multiple Lasers

Sequentially
Focused to Points in Space
The second approach, illustrated in Figure 3.12, uses a laser (usually pulsed) to
establish a low ionization path, and then subsequent power is applied to achieve
intense ionization over the entire path. Early patents proposed using ionized
paths in the atmosphere for information transmission (i.e., as transmission lines)
or discharging clouds to prevent lightning strikes.

Figure 3.12: Multiple Stage Ionization Of An Atmospheric Path Using A Laser
4.5. Plasma Radiation

Several proposed antenna concepts use the plasma space-charge waves to
couple to the EM wave. In Figure 3.13(a) blocks 15 and 20 represent oppositely
directed lasers that are fired alternately. Each time the laser is fired, a pulse train
is transmitted. The resonant frequency of the plasma in the tube is the transmit
frequency. As depicted in Figure 3.13(b), the oppositely directed photon beams
produce an alternating electric current in the plasma that radiates.
Figure 3.13: Plasma Antenna With Currents Generated By Opposed Photon

Beams. (a) System Block Diagram, And (b) Alternating Current Vectors Due
To The Interaction Of The Oppositely Directed Laser Beams.

Microwave Devices:
4.6.1 Filters and Phase Shifters
One of the first proposed applications for plasmas was a microwave band pass
filter. Figure 3.14(a) shows one possible technique, where the plasma column is
either transparent, and the input signal is dissipated in the load, or reflective,
allowing the input signal to return to the circulator and exit the device.
Therefore, by changing the plasma parameters, and hence the plasma frequency,
the pass band of the filter can be modified. A second design is shown in Figure
3.14(b). a plasma operating near resonance generates azimuth and radial
components parallel to the probe. Away from resonance there are no field
components parallel to the pickup probe. Variants of these two circuits can also
serve as phase shifters. For the method in Figure 3.14(a) multiple plasma
columns could be inserted in one arm so that reflection from, or transmission
through, each plasma column is possible. Variable time delay can be obtained
by switching in different numbers of segments between the plasma columns.
(a)
(b)
Figure 3.14 Two Band Pass Filter Using Plasma
4.6.2. Microwave Tubes

The presence of a controlled amount of plasma in traveling-wave tubes and

backward-wave oscillators can lead to improvement in their operating
characteristics above those of evacuated devices. Specifically, the bandwidth
and power handling capability can be increased.
Chapter 5
CONCLUSIONS
5.1Advantages
Higher power - Increased power can be achieved in the plasma antenna than in
the corresponding metal antenna because of lower Ohmic losses. Plasmas have
a much wider range of power capability than metals as evident from low
powered plasma in fluorescent bulbs to extremely high-powered plasmas in the
Princeton University experimental fusion reactors. In this range, a high-powered
plasma antenna is still low powered plasma. Since plasmas do not melt, the
plasma antennas can provide heat and fire resistance. The higher achievable
power and directivity of the plasma antenna can enhance target discrimination
and track ballistic missiles at the S and X band.
Enhanced bandwidth - By the use of electrodes or lasers the plasma density can
be controlled. The theoretical calculations on the controlled variation of plasma
density in space and time suggest that greater bandwidth of the plasma antenna
can be achieved than the corresponding metal antenna of the same geometry.
This enhanced bandwidth can improve discrimination.
Higher efficiency and gain - Radiation efficiency in the plasma antenna is
higher due to lower Ohmic losses in the plasma. Standing wave efficiency is
higher because phase conjugate matching with the antenna feeds can be
achieved by adjusting the plasma density and can be maintained during
reconfiguration. Estimates indicate a 20db improvement in antenna efficiency.
Plasma Antennas.
Reconfiguration and multi functionality - The plasma antenna can be
reconfigured on the fly by controlled variation of the plasma density in space
and time with far more versatility than any arrangement of metal antennas. This
reduces the number of required elements reducing size and weight of shipboard
antennas. The plasma windowing effect enhances directivity and gain in a single
plasma antenna element so that an array will have less elements than a
corresponding metal antenna array. Closing plasma windows where back lobes
and side lobes exist eliminates them and reduces jamming and clutter. This side

lobe reduction below 40db enhances directivity and discrimination. In addition,

by changing plasma densities, a single antenna can operate at one bandwidth
(e.g communication) while suppressing another bandwidth (e.g. radar).
Lower noise - The plasma antenna has a lower collision rate among its charge
carriers than a metal antenna and calculations show that this means less noise.
Perfect reflector - When the plasma density is high the plasma becomes a loss-
less perfect reflector. Hence there exist the possibilities of a wide range of
lightweight plasma reflector antennas.
5.2. Disadvantages
Ionization and decay times limit scanning
Plasma volumes must be stable and repeatable
Ionizer adds weight and volume
Ionizer increases power consumption
Not durable or flexible
Higher ionization energy than for a tube
5.3 Comparison
Table 5.1
Conventional Antenna Plasma Antenna
Copper-conducting material Plasma- Conducting material
Lower power
Low Efficiency, Gain Higher power due to ohmic loss
Large in size and more weight Higher Efficiency, Gain
More noisy
Small in size and less weight
Lower noise

5.4 Applications
Plasma antennas offer distinct advantages and can compete with most metal
antenna applications. The plasma antenna's advantages over conventional metal
elements are most obvious in military applications where stealth and electronic
warfare are primary concerns. Other important military factors are weight, size
and the ability to reconfigure.
Potential military applications include:
Shipboard/submarine antenna replacements.
Unmanned air vehicle sensor antennas.
IFF ("identification friend or foe") land-based vehicle antennas.
Stealth aircraft antenna replacements.
Broad band jamming equipment including for spread-spectrum emitters.
ECM (electronic counter-measure) antennas.
Phased array element replacements.
EMI/ECI mitigation
Detection and tracking of ballistic missiles
Side and back lobe reduction
Military antenna installations can be quite sophisticated and just the antenna
portion of a communications or radar installation on a ship or submarine can
cost in the millions of dollars.
Plasma antenna technology has commercial applications in telemetry, broad-
band Communications, ground penetrating radar, navigation, weather radar,
wind shear detection and collision avoidance, high-speed data (for example
Internet) communication spread spectrum communication, and cellular radiation
protection.
5.5 Conclusion:
The research may one day have far reaching applications from robust military
antennas through to greatly improved external television aerials. Antennas
constructed of metal can be big and bulky, and are normally fixed in place. The
fact that metal structures cannot be easily moved when not in use limits some
aspects of antenna array design. It can also pose problems when there is a
requirement to locate many antennas in a confined area.

The type of plasma antenna under investigation is constructed using a hollow

glass column which is filled with an inert gas. This can be ionized by the
application of a strong RF field at the base of the column. Once energized, the
plasma column can be made to exhibit many of the same characteristics of a
metal whip antenna of the type mounted on most cars. The metal whips that
may be considered for a plasma replacement are anywhere from a few
centimeters to several meters long.
REFERENCES
 U. Inan and A. Inan, Electromagnetic Waves, Prentice-Hall, 2000.
 ASI Technology Corporation web page: http://www.asiplasma.com
 www.Wikipedia.com.

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Plasma Antenna Technology: Chapter 1: Introduction

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ECE Department, JSSATEB Page 1

Chapter 4. enclose the parameters and characteristics.

When gas is electrically charged, or ionized to a plasma state it becomes

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1.4UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF A PLASMA ANTENNA

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6)A circular scan can be performed electronically with no moving parts at a

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1.6 MARKET APPLICATIONS OF PLASMA TECHNOLOGY

1)Shipboard/submarine antenna replacements.

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5. Reconfiguration and multi functionality

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reception and closing windows (high-density regions in the plasma blanket).

1.8Radio Antenna Made of Plasma

A prototype antenna made with plasma.

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battlefield—metal antennas can scatter incoming radar signals, giving away

1.9Plasma Generation and Containment

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A conventional tube has the disadvantage of requiring two or more contacts

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transmission and/or modulation technique: continuous wave (CW), phase

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3.2. Experimental Analysis Plasma Antenna

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Figure 4.5. The Gain of The Plasma Antenna AC-Biased.

Figure 4.6. The Radiation Pattern Of The Plasma Antenna.

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Figure 4.7. The Radiation Pattern Of The Plasma Antenna

Figure 4.8. The Radiation Pattern Of The Plasma Antenna

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plasma antenna provides increased accuracy and reduces computer signal

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Figure 3.1: Reflection Coefficient For A Plane Wave Normally Incident On A

The loss in decibels per meter (dB/m) is

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Plasma oscillations generally do not propagate in cold plasma unless it has a

4.1Plasma Antenna Technology:

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4.3Antenna and Transmission Line Applications

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are rapid inertia-less two-dimensional scanning, frequency selectivity by setting

Figure 3.3.plasma mirror using a laser

Figure 3.4 Plasma Mirror Using A Chamber

A high-quality plasma reflector(shown in fig.3.5) must have a critical surface

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reflecting surface can be moved. Turn-on and turn-off times of 10 microseconds

Figure 3.5. Plasma reflector

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Figure 3.6: Comparison Of Radiation Patterns From Plasma And Metal

4.3.2. Linear and Loop Antennas With Plasma Enclosures

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Figure 3.7: Loop Antenna

Figure 3.8 Antenna That Can Be Reconfigured By Selecting One of Multiple

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