Numerical analysis of reconfigurable plasma antenna arrays

We present the numerical analysis of a reconfigurable plasma antenna array (PAA) comprised of a metallic half-wavelength dipole and a variable number of cylindrical plasma tubes that are arranged in a planar rectangular lattice. Our simulations, carried out with the linear embedding via Green's operators (LEGO) method, indicate that beam-forming and beam-steering can be realized and controlled by selectively switching the plasma tubes on and off. Moreover, an additional static magnetic field (which makes the plasma non-reciprocal) produces a noticeable rotation of the overall radiation pattern.