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We present a full-wave numerical tool for the simulation of plasma antennas. The tool makes use of a hybrid formulation that allows treating the plasma with a Finite Element discretization, and the metallic parts with the Method of Moments. The finite element discretization is solved using a state-of-the-art sparse solver (MUMPS) in order to reduce the computational time at a minimum. The accuracy of the tool is tested by comparing the results obtained with it against those obtained with a benchmark code. Finally, a novel dual-mode plasma antenna is designed using the aforementioned tool.

We present the numerical parametric study of a reconfigurable plasma antenna array (PAA) composed of a metallic half-wavelength dipole and a set of cylindrical plasma discharges arranged in a planar square lattice. Our results, obtained with the linear embedding via Green’s operators (LEGO) method, indicate that beam-forming and beam-steering functionality can be achieved and controlled by appropriately choosing the number and position of the active plasma discharges around the dipole. Furthermore, we show that an external static magnetic field and the plasma density have a noticeable effect on the radiation pattern of the antenna.

We report the numerical analysis of a plasma antenna array comprised of cylindrical plasma discharges and a conventional half-wavelength metallic dipole. In particular, the 3D radiation pattern, gain and impedance of the antenna are determined and compared for different values of the plasma density. To reduce the computational load by exploiting the translational symmetry of the structure, we have carried out the simulations with the linear embedding via Green's operators (LEGO) method. Our results suggest that the device performs better as a directive antenna at lower plasma densities, that is, when the plasma is less reflective.