# Realization of Plasma Antenna using U-Shaped
Compact Fluorescent Lamp

M T Jusoh, O Lafond, F Colombel, M Himdi

► To cite this version:

M T Jusoh, O Lafond, F Colombel, M Himdi. Realization of Plasma Antenna using U-Shaped Compact Fluorescent Lamp. The 2024 Malaysia-Japan Workshop on Radio Technology (MJWRT 2024), Aug 2024, Penang, Malaysia. pp.012014, 10.1088/1742-6596/2922/1/012014. [hal-05132363](https://hal.science/hal-05132363v1)

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Submitted on 27 Jun 2025

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# Realization of Plasma Antenna using U-Shaped Compact Fluorescent Lamp

To cite this article: M T Jusoh et al 2024 *J. Phys.: Conf. Ser.* **2922** 012014

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# Realization of Plasma Antenna using U-Shaped Compact Fluorescent Lamp

M T Jusoh¹*, O Lafond², F Colombel², M Himdi²

¹ Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, National Defense University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 57000 Malaysia

² IETR, University of Rennes, France

*E-mail: taufik@upnm.edu.my

**Abstract.** This paper introduces a novel plasma antenna utilizing a U-shaped compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) as the radiating element, excited by an alternating current (AC) supply. Unlike conventional designs, the coupling sleeve in this plasma antenna is positioned beneath the ground plane, reducing unwanted radiation when the plasma is deactivated. Two prototypes were fabricated, varying only in height (35.7 mm and 77 mm). Measurements at 900 MHz revealed significant differences in radiation patterns between ON and OFF states, indicating effective radiation in the ON state. However, at 450 MHz, only the shorter antenna (35.7 mm) exhibited acceptable performance. The results demonstrate that a U-shaped CFL can serve as an efficient plasma antenna, with performance comparable to classical dipole antennas within the tested frequency range.

## 1. Introduction

Similar to metallic materials like copper wire and copper rods, plasma has been demonstrated to function as a radiator for radio signal transmission. Plasma antenna is another name for the plasma radiator. Most plasma antennas were designed to operate at lower frequencies, usually in the UHF and VHF bands, when they were first introduced in communication systems. Unlike copper or metal counterparts, the plasma needs to undergo plasma excitation first in order to produce electrical conductivity, which allows it to mimic metallic materials. Surface waves can propagate along plasma columns and radiate because they have conductivity. The ability of a plasma antenna to be turned off in a matter of microseconds sets it apart from metallic antennas [1], [2]. Because it seems to radars to be non-existent, the plasma antenna thus demonstrates stealth [3]. In addition, by adjusting the electrical length of the plasma antenna, it is possible to reconfigure the antenna to satisfy different needs, such as switchable operating frequency.

The excitation technique and the coupling technique are the two main components that make up a plasma antenna's operation. In other terms, this excitation technique refers to a method for ionizing gases in a dielectric tube, or a way to ignite plasma. Several stimulation techniques are described in the earlier articles for the generation of the plasma. Radio signals are attached to plasma columns via the coupling method. In order for a radio signal to excite plasma, the receiver must include an essential filtering mechanism that removes the excitation signal while letting the receiver signal through. A cylindrical plasma antenna transmits the signal into free space because the surface wave transports it and propagates through the plasma column [4–7]. In addition, [8] provides a full elaboration of the surface wave notion and waveguide theory.

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Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
Numerous research studies have examined the possibility of modifying the input parameters in order to modify the plasma's characteristics. For instance, the pump power employed in dielectric tubes to ionize the enclosed gas can be adjusted. By raising this pump power, plasma density can be raised [9-12] and at the same time boosting the electrical conductivity [13]. In essence, conductivity is necessary for the plasma to function well as a radio signal emitting element. On the other hand, metallic materials always have excellent electrical conductivity (around $10^7$ Siemens per meter), therefore antenna design does not need to worry about it.

## 2. Plasma antenna design

An inexpensive and commercially available U-shaped CFL is used to create the plasma antenna, which serves as the study's radiating element. The coupling sleeve used in this work is not surrounded by an absorber box or a metallic enclosure, in contrast to the coupling sleeves suggested in the literature. It is put beneath the ground plane. If the plasma was in the de-activated mode, positioning it below the ground plane would lessen the radiation of the coupling sleeve in the upper portion of the ground plane. Because the hole used to install the CFL may allow a signal to pass through, a little amount of radiation is expected in the upper half of the ground plane. Using a different perspective on the design and positioning of the coupling sleeve, the viability of U-shaped CFLs as plasma antennas was investigated. Future advancements and improvements in plasma antenna technology can be anticipated from this study.

There were two experiments carried out related to the radiative properties of plasma in both cases, similar types of plasma sources and dimensions of the plasma sources were used. The dimensions of a plasma antenna made of gold are presented in Figure 1.

<figure><img src="image_7.png" /><figcaption>Figure 1. Plasma antenna. (a) This side view of the plasma antenna reveals the coupling part as well as the extra part of the plasma source which is just below the copper sleeve. (b) The bottom view of plasma antenna, the dielectric support is visible (Unit in mm).</figcaption></figure>

The main contrasts between the antennas are the distance of the plasma source to the ground plane (calculated from the reference plane of this surface) and the extra part of the plasma source just below the coupling sleeve figure. In Figure 1, it can be seen in the plasma antenna dimensions that the antenna is 35.7 mm high. The coupling sleeve is located at the lowest point of both the ground planes for both
antennas. Hence, due to a 35.7 mm long antenna, 41.3 mm of the plasma source is still uncovered under the coupling sleeve. The antenna dimensions are summarized in Table 1.

<table><caption>Table 1. The dimensions of fabricated plasma antennas.</caption><tr><td>Ground plane thickness, gnd<sub>t</sub></td><td>3 mm</td></tr><tr><td>Ground plane size</td><td>1000 mm x 1000 mm</td></tr><tr><td>Metal support thickness, l<sub>ms</sub></td><td>3 mm</td></tr><tr><td>The Space gap between coupling sleeve and the bottom of the ground plane, g</td><td>5 mm</td></tr><tr><td>Antenna height, h<sub>radiate</sub></td><td>35.7 mm / 77 mm</td></tr><tr><td>Antenna height under coupling sleeve, h<sub>base</sub></td><td>41.3 mm / 0 mm</td></tr><tr><td>Coupling sleeve height, h<sub>sleeve</sub></td><td>30 mm</td></tr><tr><td>Copper connector, l<sub>c</sub></td><td>17.5 mm</td></tr><tr><td>Metal support height, h<sub>ms</sub></td><td>35 mm</td></tr><tr><td>Metal support width, w<sub>ms</sub></td><td>50 mm</td></tr></table>

The length of the copper connector is fixed at 17.5 mm, and this is done to give the space the copper connector needs for the copper sleeve. To fix the plasma source (CFL) in place, a dielectric cube was connected to the bottom part of the ground plane, which led to the installation of a CFL cradle support (to clip and hold the lamp) on the dielectric support. The dielectric support is produced from Cestilene HD 500 with a dielectric constant equal to 2.4.

### 3. Prototype of plasma antenna

Based on the geometry described in Table 4.1, the prototype model of plasma antennas was created on a ground plane that was 3 mm thick. An electronic ballast with a switching element that is controlled by a single control switch powers the nine watt CFLs. The light requires the connection of four specific wires, which are connected to the lamp pins via connector boxes. For the connection sleeve, a copper scotch measuring 30 mm by 41 mm was utilized, as Figure 2 illustrates.

<figure><img src="image_8.png" /><figcaption>Figure 2. Photograph of lower parts of the fabricated plasma antennas. (a) 77 mm antenna height. (b) 35.7 mm antenna height.</figcaption></figure>

This copper scotch is attached to the dielectric tube's bottom so that, after the plasma is produced, it can be used as a conduit for signals. The SMA connector and the copper sleeve are connected by a copper connector that is 17.5 mm in length and 1.25 mm in diameter. Soldering at the point of contact improved
the electrical connection between the copper connectors. Consequently, the link was strengthened. The images presented in Figure 2 make it clear that the surroundings at the base of the two artificial plasma antennas' CFLs are different. Figure 3 depicts the dielectric cube made of Cestilene HD 500 that was used to position the cradle support in order to hold the CFL in place.

<figure><img src="image_9.png" /><figcaption>Figure 3. Photograph of the dielectric cube used to place cradle support.</figcaption></figure>

Plasma antenna’s coupling part connecting with its ground plane was unprotected. As a result, the point of coupling that causes radiation patterns can be seen in two antennas. Subsequently, it is also possible to compare the back radiation of the two plasma antennas with different heights.

## 4. The Measurement setup of plasma antenna

Anechoic chamber was the place where the measurements were done. An anechoic chamber of SATIMO 32 was the place of radiation pattern measurements. The illustrations in Figure 4 show the plasma antennas installed in the SATIMO 32 anechoic. The antenna under test (AUT) has been fixed on a support fixture, as evidenced by Figure 4(a). Figure 4(b) depicts the plasma antennas in operational mode beneath the ground plane. These antennas are both plasma and so; to read the radiation pattern, it was necessary to make measurements for the transmission of radio waves. Measurements range from 400 MHz to 2 GHz. They were done for each antenna sequentially, which was because both antennas had one common ground plane. To place the second antenna (a CFL) from the bottom of the ground, the first antenna was measured and then disconnected from the ground. To ensure connection between the copper connector and the coupling sleeve, it was necessary to employ the same manner of soldering the copper connector to the copper sleeve used to this end.

<figure><img src="image_10.png" /><figcaption>Figure 4. Photograph of plasma antenna in the SATIMO 32 anechoic with plasma antenna in activated mode.</figcaption></figure>
**5. Result**

Figure 5 displays the plasma antenna's measured radiation patterns at 900 MHz with an antenna height of 35.7 mm. For both the ON and OFF scenarios, the patterns are compared.

<figure><img src="image_11.png" /><figcaption>Figure 5. Normalized measured radiation patterns, $E_{\theta}$ and $E_{\phi}$ components at 900 MHz. (a)-(b) Co-polarization in the H- and E-planes respectively. (c)-(d) Cross-polarization in the H- and E-planes respectively.</figcaption></figure>

The antenna appears to radiate when the plasma is activated, as seen in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), where there is a significant difference of approximately 15 dB between the OFF and ON states (in the maximum direction). The radiating coupling sleeve positioned beneath the ground plane is the cause of the minor radiation observed in the H-plane while the plasma antenna is in the OFF state. Between the ground plane and the dielectric tube, there is a gap through which the copper sleeve's signal travels. Even if the plasma antenna is off, the feed component (copper connector), which also radiates at 900 MHz, may be the source of a sizable amount of the back radiation observed in the E-plane. The cross-polarization patterns in the H-plane, as shown in Figure 5(c), are less than -15 dB. As illustrated in Figure 5(d), the cross-polarization patterns in the E-plane are below -10 dB with a few places of the OFF-state pattern marginally above -10 dB.

In order to prove that the feeding section is the cause for the high back radiation pattern observed at 900 MHz, the identical antenna was tested at 450 MHz. The antenna radiation patterns at 450 MHz with the plasma in the ON and OFF states are shown in Figure 6.
<figure><img src="image_12.png" /><figcaption>Figure 6. Normalized measured radiation patterns, $E_{\theta}$ and $E_{\phi}$ components at 450 MHz. (a)-(b) Co-polarization in the H- and E-planes respectively. (c)-(d) Cross-polarization in the H- and E- planes respectively</figcaption></figure>

Between the ON and OFF states of the plasma antenna in the H- and E-planes for Figures 6(a) and 6(b), respectively, there are clear and very noticeable changes. These instances further demonstrate that the plasma antenna is emitting radiation at 450 MHz. Furthermore, the two planes' back radiation levels, which are both below -15 dB, demonstrate that the feeding portion is the cause of the excessive back radiation exhibited in Figure 5(b). In the H- and E-plane, the cross-polarization patterns resulting from the plasma antenna are determined to be less than -10 dB. In addition, the arrangement of the plasma antenna anticipated the presence of a plasma source directly beneath the coupling sleeve, as depicted in Figure 1(a). This additional component emits radiation in a downward direction, namely the bottom half of the ground plane, upon activation of the plasma.

## 6. Conclusion

The experimental results clearly show that a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) with AC excitation can be utilized for the purpose of transmitting radio signals. Two plasma antennas were fabricated and their performances at 900 MHz and 450 MHz were measured. As for the plasma antenna with the radiating part being its 77 mm height, this is not the one. The 900 MHz antenna showed the plasma backfire between ON and OFF modes to be completely different. The wide backside outputs were observed on the plasma antenna propagation path for the 900 MHz band as it was the case when the antenna was deactivated. These events have been investigated, and it is found that the backward radiation was less than -15 dB at 450 MHz when the plasma was off. It says that the main part of the back radiation is due to the voltage that the feeding element has at the 900 MHz mode. A copper connector's back radiation can be reduced by cutting the connector short that connects to the top of the casing. Plasma antenna patterns of 450 to 900 MHz which are measured are, however, the same as with classic dipoles. Firstly, to act as a monopole antenna, the feeding part of the phantom that extends beneath the ground plane must be covered with an absorbing material. On top of that, feeding part insertion loss still plays
a significant role in plasma antenna performance improvement. Hence, it is imperative to focus on the
feeding mechanism as the first step in coming up with solutions for a plasma antenna.

7. References

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[2] T Anderson, I Alexeff, N Karnam, E P Pradeep, N R Pulasani, J Peck, "An Operating Intelligent Plasma Antenna", IEEE 34th International Conference on Plasma Science (ICOPS 2007), pp. 353-356, 2007.

[3] I Alexeff, T Anderson, S Parameswaran, E P Pradeep, J Hulloli, P Hulloli, "Experimental and theoretical results with plasma antennas," IEEE Trans., Plasma Sci., vol. 34, no. 2, pp. 166-172, April 2006.

[4] D Qian, D Jun, G Chen-Jiang, S Lei, "On Characteristics of a Plasma Column Antenna", The International Conference on Microwave and Millimeter Wave Technology (ICMMT 2008), 2008.

[5] H Q Ye, M Goa, C J Tang, "Radiation theory of the plasma antenna", IEEE Trans., Antennas Propag., vol. 59, no. 5, pp. 1497-1502, May 2011.

[6] Y Lee, S Ganguly, "FDTD analysis of a plasma column antenna", IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium, pp. 430-433, 2005.

[7] Y Liu, C Tang, X Xu, "Rigid method for dispersion relation of plasma antenna", The Second International Conference on Mechanic Automation and Control Engineering (MACE), pp. 1590-1593, 2011.

[8] Francis J Zuck, "Surface-wave antennas", in Antenna Engineering Handbook, McGraw Hill, NY: New York, 2007, pp. 1-32.

[9] W Jiayin, S Jiaming, W Jiachun, X Bo, "Study of the radiation pattern of unipole plasma antenna, The 7th International Symposium on Antennas, Propagation, & EM Theory (ISAPE 06), 2006.

[10] P Russo, G Cerri, E Vecchioni, "Self-consistent model for the characterization of plasma ignition by propagation of an electromagnetic wave to be used for plasma antennas design", IET Microwaves, Antennas & Propagation, vol. 4, iss. 12, pp. 2256-2264, 2010.

[11] G Cerri, V Mariani Primiani, P Russo, E Vecchioni, "FDTD approach for the characterization of electromagnetic wave propagation in plasma for application to plasma antennas", The Second European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP 2007), 2007.

[12] G Cerri, P Russo, E Vecchioni, "A self-consistent FDTD model of plasma antennas", The Fifth European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP 2010), 2010.

[13] G Cerri, P Russo, E Vecchioni, "Electromagnetic Characterization of plasma antennas", The Third European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP 2008), 2008.