Brief
Laser‑Created Plasma Antenna Mimics Lightsaber, Enables Adjustable Radio Signals
The device uses a laser‑generated plasma filament to act as a tunable radio antenna, a concept that could reshape wireless communications and space hardware.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Scientists at North Carolina State University have demonstrated a new type of radio antenna that resembles a lightsaber, using a laser‑generated plasma filament to transmit radio waves. The approach replaces the traditional metal structure with a narrow beam of ionized air, allowing the antenna’s length and direction to be altered simply by adjusting the laser’s power and focus.
According to the study, the laser creates a thin plasma channel by ionizing air molecules, producing a conductive path that can interact with electromagnetic fields. This plasma filament serves as the antenna’s radiating element, and because its length can be changed in real time, the device can be tuned across a broad range of frequencies without moving mechanical parts. The researchers demonstrated transmission of radio signals but have not yet shown reception, although they note there is no reason the same principle could not work for receiving as well.
"The plasma beam antenna looks like a lightsaber and is tunable, meaning we should be able to transmit across a broad range of frequencies," said Prya Darshni, a Ph.D. student and corresponding author of the paper. "And while we have not demonstrated its ability to serve as an antenna that can receive radio signals, there's no reason to believe it wouldn't also work as a receiver." Co‑author Paul Franzon, the Cirrus Logic Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at NC State, added, "This is an exciting new concept that enables one to be able to have a customized antenna without complex mechanical deployment mechanisms."
The team highlighted that conventional antennas rely on fixed physical dimensions, which dictate the frequencies they can efficiently handle. Adjusting those dimensions typically requires moving parts or complex engineering, a challenge especially for space missions where size, weight, and reliability are critical. By generating the antenna directly in the surrounding air, the laser‑based method could produce compact, lightweight, and reconfigurable solutions for satellites, radar, and other wireless systems.
The experiment involved carefully controlling the laser’s power and beam diameter to produce a stable plasma filament. While the current work focuses on transmission, future research will explore reception capabilities, durability of the plasma under different atmospheric conditions, and scaling the technology for practical deployment.
Key facts
- Researchers created a plasma antenna using a laser to ionize air, forming a conductive filament. (sciencedaily.com)
- The plasma antenna can be tuned across a broad range of frequencies by adjusting the laser. (sciencedaily.com)
- Prya Darshni and Paul Franzon are co‑authors of the study, affiliated with North Carolina State University. (sciencedaily.com)
- The team demonstrated radio‑wave transmission but has not yet shown reception with the plasma antenna. (sciencedaily.com)
- The technology could enable lightweight, reconfigurable antennas for space and radar applications. (sciencedaily.com)
Sources
- [1] sciencedaily.com — originally reported as “Scientists create a lightsaber-like laser antenna that transmits radio waves”
