Scientists built a lightsaber-like antenna from laser-ionized air

Researchers at NC State, Texas A&M and Princeton demonstrated a plasma filament antenna: a laser ionizes air and the signal is fed contactlessly via a metal ring. At 30 MHz received signal strength rose 2.5 times (a 150% gain). Reception, efficiency and beam steering remain unverified.

• 30 MHz signal boosted 2.5 times (150% gain) with no metal radiator
• Signal is coupled into the plasma contactlessly via a metal ring
• Reception, efficiency, range and beam steering remain untested
• Results published Sept. 1, 2026 in the IEEE Journal of Microwaves