Robert J Aiksnoras

US Patent:

6650297, Nov 18, 2003

Filed:

Apr 10, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/120214

Inventors:

Theodore R. Anderson - Galway NY
Robert J. Aiksnoras - Salem CT

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy - Washington DC

International Classification:

H01Q 126

US Classification:

343701, 333 99 PL

Abstract:

A laser driven plasma antenna system utilizes a laser having an output for emitting a laser beam that is directed toward and is reflected from the ionosphere so as to produce an ionized column of air extending between the laser and the ionosphere such that electromagnetic radiation is conducted through the ionized column of air as electrical current, and a pulsing circuit for pulsing the laser in accordance with a predetermined pulse rate that corresponds to a particular frequency of interest such that electromagnetic radiation having the particular frequency is conducted through the ionized column as electrical current having a frequency equal to the particular frequency.

US Patent:

60879939, Jul 11, 2000

Filed:

May 21, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/317086

Inventors:

Theodore R. Anderson - West Greenwich RI
Robert J. Aiksnoras - Salem CT

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy - Washington DC

International Classification:

H01Q 126
H01Q 134

US Classification:

343701

Abstract:

A plasma antenna is provided. An ionizer generates an ionizing beam in a nded or unbounded plasma column extending along a vertical axis. An amplitude or frequency modulating signal is applied to an electro-optical crystal that amplitude, phase, or frequency modulates the ionizing beam. The resulting changes in the ionizing beam produce gradients in the plasma that cause ions and electrons to oscillate in a vertical path that generates alternating current having the frequency of the modulator. These currents generate an amplitude- or phase-modulated electromagnetic field that radiates from the plasma column.