Numerical Study on a Wideband Plasma Folded-Dipole Antenna

This is a presentation of folded-dipole plasma tube used as very high frequency (VHF) band antenna. In plasma medium, ionized gas plays the role of free electrons in traditional metallic antennas to radiate waves. Folded-dipoles have higher input impedance and closed structure that omits bothersome wiring with respect to monopoles. VHF wave is coupled to the surface of the tube via a small capacitive coupler. Numerical analysis and optimization are performed by using a finite-difference time-domain method. The results indicate total agreement with standard CST Microwave Studio software simulation. Designing well, the bandwidth of 220 MHz (81%) is obtained. Parametric study, radiation properties, and some novel points are discussed as well.