Re: NEC-LIST: Plasma Antennas

Many years ago, there were microwave noise sources (for making
noise figure measurements) that consisted of a fluorescent light
tube that was inserted in a waveguide. I believe this gave
a 15 dB ENF. Anyway, you have to wonder about using a plasma
antenna in a receiving application with all the noise being
generated by the plasma.

The patent application contains some vague generalities about
the characteristics of the plasma and then spends 95% of the time
on applications, ad infinitum. I'm sure what we all want to
know is whether this thing even works as a half wave dipole, and
how to build it. We can all figure out lots of ways to put it
to use building arrays, once the basics are reduced to practice (which they
aren't really in the patent IMHO).

Rick Karlquist N6RK

rsmueller said:
> Hello to the group,
>
> I was wondering if anyone on the list has seen any of the new "Plasma
> Antennas" that Markland is advertising? I fundamentally understand how
> a plasma antenna could work, but, I am not convinced in it's performance
> claims: i.e. varial bandwidth, electronic scanning, etc. Has anyone
> built a practical plasma antenna to date?
>
> Roland Mueller
>
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