Reconfigurable biconcave lens antenna based on plasma technology

A theoretical model is proposed to preliminary assess the performance of plasma-based reflecting and transmitting surfaces. The model has been verified and, subsequently, exploited in a feasibility study to implement beam steering and polarization control. Theoretical findings laid the basis for the numerical design of a reconfigurable plasma-aided horn antenna. Notably, the solution proposed is capable of both beam steering and polarization control relying on a plasma-based transmitting surface. Specifically, the main lobe can be steered in the range 0 • − 50 • maintaining the gain > 10 dBi, the relative side lobe level < −10 dB, and the reflection coefficient < −10 dB. The bandwidth is 1 GHz for an operation frequency of 10 GHz. Polarization conversion is feasible maintaining values of the plasma parameters and magnetic induction field compatible with the technology at the state of the art.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Plasma-Based Reflecting and Transmitting Surfaces

Magarotto,

Schenato,

Santagiustina

et al. 2023

Determination of the Plasma Density in a Plasma Antenna Based on Image Analysis and LIVPD Graphs

Dorbin,

Mohassel,

Sadeghikia

et al. 2023

Self Cite

This paper introduces an innovative method for quantitatively determining plasma density in plasma columns, with particular applicability to reconfigurable antennas. This method significantly enhances the speed of capturing density variations, particularly in surface wave-excited antennas. By utilizing images of excited plasma tubes, the proposed approach extracts a light intensity versus plasma density (LIVPD) graph, creating a direct correspondence between visible light intensity and plasma density. The methodology, encompassing LIVPD graph extraction and plasma density evaluation, is comprehensively elucidated. Rigorous analytical and experimental validations confirm a minor deviation of approximately 8.5%. The versatility of the method is demonstrated through two practical applications, reaffirming its accuracy in challenging scenarios. Additionally, this study includes a comparative analysis that highlights the superiority of the method in terms of sampling rate, measurement points, and non-intrusiveness over conventional techniques. This paper thus presents a robust method with promising potential for accurate plasma density determination in diverse antenna applications.INDEX TERMS Plasma antenna, image processing technique, plasma density, determination of the plasma density, surface wave.

Plasma-Based Dual-Band Reflective Surface

Magarotto,

Schenato,

Santagiustina

et al. 2023

The subject of this work is the numerical design of a plasma-based dual-band reflective surface. The proposed concept consists of a series of cylindrical plasma discharges placed on top of a reconfigurable surface made of conventional metallic patches. The possibility to independently control the steering of two signals, one in Ku-band (12.5 GHz) and the other in Ka-band (27.5 GHz), with a frequency ratio larger than 2, is proven. The signal at a lower frequency is controlled via the plasma density, while the one at a higher frequency is reconfigured via the conventional metallic surface. Notably, the larger the difference between the two working frequencies, the more a plasma-based reflecting surface suits dual-band operations.INDEX TERMS Gaseous plasma antennas; Reflective surfaces; Dual-band; Ku-band; Ka-band.