Researchers demonstrate lightsaber-like plasma antenna that transmits radio waves
North Carolina State University researchers published a study in the IEEE Journal of Microwaves describing a laser-ionized air antenna capable of transmitting radio signals.
Laser creates tunable plasma beam
A team led by Ph.D. student Prya Darshni used a laser to generate a plasma beam that functions as an antenna. This device resembles a lightsaber and allows transmission across a broad range of frequencies without complex mechanical parts. The technique avoids the need for adjustable physical structures often required in space exploration technologies.
Study published in IEEE journal
The article titled Laser-Induced-Plasma-Filament Antenna Transmitting 30 MHz VHF appears in the IEEE Journal of Microwaves. Co-author Paul Franzon noted that the concept enables customized antennas without deployment mechanisms. The researchers have not yet demonstrated the ability of this device to receive radio signals.
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