Plasma-Based Beamforming Antennas

Sadeghi Kia, Fatemeh; Talafi Noghani, Mahmoud; Karami Horestani, Ali; Zamani, Fatemeh

doi:10.22034/jsst.2024.468738.1493

Plasma-Based Beamforming Antennas

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

Fatemeh Sadeghi kia ¹

Mahmoud Talafi Noghani ²

Ali Karami Horestani ²

Fatemeh Zamani ¹

¹ Aerospace Research Institute, Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, Tehran, Iran

² Aerospace Research Institute, Ministry of Science , Research and Technology, Tehran, Iran

10.22034/jsst.2024.468738.1493

Abstract

In this article, beamforming methodologies for antennas are first reviewed, highlighting the pros and cons of each method. It is observed that each method offers unique advantages and limitations. Some of the key technologies used to provide beamforming antennas are also compared with consideration of complexity, beamwidth, price, scanning angle, frequency range, beamforming speed, and accuracy. It is shown that beamforming using plasma offers flexibility compared to other techniques while remaining relatively cost-efficient. Moreover, using plasma components, it is possible to conceal the entire antenna or parts of it. Based on these advantages, this study presents a low-complexity, low-cost plasma-based antenna for beamforming. This novel antenna combines an axial mode helical antenna surrounded by circular arrays of plasma elements, forming plasma cups around the helix. The plasma cups are used to control the direction and width of the radiated beam of the helix. Activation of a plasma cup enhances the beamwidth of the helix, while asymmetrically activated configurations allow for steering the end-fire beam pattern up to ±27°. A prototype of the proposed antenna structure has been fabricated, and measurements for different configurations of the plasma reflectors have been carried out. The concept and computational results have been validated by the strong agreement between the simulation and measurement results. The proposed antenna offers a cost-effective solution for scanning and target acquisition in space communications and radar systems.

Keywords

Plasma antenna

beamforming antenna

space communication antenna

plasma reflector

Subjects

communications

Article Title Persian

Plasma-Based Beamforming Antennas

Authors Persian

فاطمه صادقی کیا ¹

محمود تلافی نوغانی ²

علی کرمی هرستانی ²

فاطمه زمانی ¹

¹ پژوهشگاه هوافضا، وزارت علوم، تحقیقات و فناوری، تهران، ایران

² پژوهشگاه هوافضا، وزارت علوم، تحقیقات و فناوری، تهران، ایران

Abstract Persian

Keywords Persian

Plasma antenna

beamforming antenna

space communication antenna

plasma reflector

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