Laser-Generated Plasma Antenna Transmits Radio Waves
The research-stage technology allows for on-demand antenna reconfigurability by adjusting laser parameters in real-time.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Physics
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Researchers at North Carolina State University have successfully transmitted 30 MHz VHF radio waves using a laser-generated plasma filament, a research-stage technique that creates an antenna out of ionized air. This method allows for the dynamic adjustment of antenna length and signal direction without traditional mechanical hardware.
Why it matters
This approach enables reconfigurable antennas that can be generated on-demand, potentially reducing the need for complex deployment mechanisms in demanding environments. By controlling laser parameters, the system offers a new way to steer signals and scan frequencies.
The researchers transmitted 30 MHz VHF signals through a plasma filament created by ionizing a column of air with a laser. A metal ring acting as a capacitor provides a contactless feed, inducing an electromagnetic field that interacts with the plasma to carry the radio wave.
The players
North Carolina State University
A research-intensive public university with extensive facilities for electrical engineering and atmospheric physics studies.
The details
To operate the system, a laser ionizes the atmosphere to form a plasma filament, which acts as the conductive material for the antenna. A metal ring surrounding the filament serves as a capacitor, transferring energy from a radio frequency generator into the plasma structure. Because the length and angle of the filament are controlled by laser parameters, the antenna can change its geometric configuration and orientation instantly without requiring mechanical movement.
Timeline
September 1, 2026: Findings were published in the IEEE Journal of Microwaves.
The Tech Race
This research positions plasma antennas as a lightweight, flexible alternative to traditional solid-state hardware. It follows a broader trajectory in communications engineering to replace fixed mechanical structures with software-defined, reconfigurable signal emitters.
This technology remains in the research stage and is currently aimed at specialized uses like future spacecraft applications. Practical adoption will depend on future performance improvements and the successful demonstration of the plasma filament as a reliable radio signal receiver.
The takeaway
The ability to generate an antenna from thin air via laser ionization marks a shift toward highly modular communication hardware. Future research will focus on demonstrating the plasma filament's capability as a signal receiver, a milestone required for the technology to be viable for spacecraft and other remote applications.
Further reading
For more on the physics of electromagnetic wave propagation and novel antenna designs, visit our Physics section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by SciTechDaily.
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