Plasma simulation with an artificial dielectric in a horn geometry

The simulation of a plasma sheath using an artificial dielectric is studied in this investigation and is applied to an antenna geometry which is similar to some configurations encountered in aerospace applications. The antenna configuration is equivalent to a horn in an infinite ground plane with an unbounded plasma layer in front of the horn. The plasma layer is simulated by a rodded medium, and the radiation patterns of the antenna system are studied experimentally at 9, 10, and 11 Gc/s. Two constructions of rodded media are utilized in the pattern measurements. The experimentally determined radiation patterns have a secondary maximum associated with the properties of the plasma sheath. More energy is radiated in the OFF-axis region when the plasma sheath is present.