Someone sent me this interesting news snippet:
A new antenna made of plasma (a gas heated to the point that the electrons are ripped free of atoms and molecules) works just like conventional metal antennas, except that it vanishes when you turn it off. The antenna design being presented at next week’s APS Division of Plasma Physics meeting in Orlando consists of gas-filled tubes reminiscent of neon bulbs. The physicists presenting the design propose that an array of many small plasma elements could lead to a highly versatile antenna that could be reconfigured simply by turning on or off various elements.
(EurekAlert! 12NOV07)
The announcement also made Slashdot.
A dozen years ago I was daydreaming of a “virtual” antenna, where some sort of field could be projected that would capture radio waves. I was thinking more of the magnetic variety, but plasma certainly fits the bill.
Interesting how the announcement touts its use in stealth transmissions. That’s not really an issue now with the ease of hiding transmissions made to satellites.