An integral-equation approach to the analysis and design of plasma antennas

Plasma antennas constitute a promising alternative to conventional metallic antennas for applications in which reconfigurability with respect to some property is desired. The latter feature can be achieved by tuning the plasma discharge parameters. However, simplified models have been employed so far for the analysis of such devices, and the influence of an external magnetizing field on plasma antenna behavior have not been fully understood. In this communication we present an integral-equation approach for the analysis of a magnetized plasma in the presence of metal parts which in turn provide the plasma excitation. The radiation pattern is mainly determined by the plasma current distribution, whereas the input impedance of the overall antenna system ensues from the knowledge of the surface current density at the excitation port. Preliminary numerical results are in good agreement with data available in existing literature, and confirm that the radiation efficiency can be controlled by adjusting plasma density and magnetizing field.