Two scientists from the American Physical Society have a plasma antenna presented which, if disabled, cannot be detected. Moreover, traditional interference techniques do not work on the innovative antenna.
A plasma is a gas from which electrons have been knocked loose from some atoms. These move freely through the plasma, just as is possible in a metal. This is why a plasma, like a metal, can act as an antenna. When the plasma returns to the gaseous state, the ‘antenna’ is no longer detectable.
This is an important feature for military purposes, as antennas must remain out of the enemy’s line of sight. A second advantage of the plasma antenna is that it can change characteristics so quickly that it cannot be disturbed. An array of multiple antennas, with its variable antenna characteristics, would be a very versatile transmitter, according to the scientists.
The plasma antenna will be presented at the annual meeting of the Division of Plasma Physics of the American Physical Society, which will be held this year from November 12-16 in Orlando, Florida.