Laser-generated plasma beam antenna transmits radio at 30 MHz

Researchers at North Carolina State University built an antenna from a laser-generated plasma filament and used it to transmit a 30 MHz radio signal. A contactless metal ring feed boosted received signal strength 2.5 times versus the setup without plasma.

• A laser ionizes a narrow air column, forming a plasma filament in place of a metal antenna
• A 30 MHz signal is fed to a metal ring capacitor without touching the plasma
• With the filament present, received signal strength rose 2.5 times (+150%)
• Antenna length and orientation can be changed by adjusting the laser