Electronically Scannable Plasma Leaky Wave Antenna System

Abstract

Excitation of leaky waves on annular plasma column enclosing dielectric rod having conductor along the axis and excited by magnetic ring source in the dielectric rod is studied. Such a configuration results into sharp narrow radiation peak beyond the critical angle and its amplitude depends upon inner and outer diameter of plasma column, diameter of magnetic ring source and plasma density. The direction of maximum radiation peak depends upon plasma density. Based upon these results, it is suggested to develop an electronically scannable narrow beam plasma antenna system whose radiation peak direction can be scanned by varying plasma density.