Researchers Transmit Radio Signals Using Laser Plasma
A new antenna technique uses laser-generated air filaments to transmit radio waves as of September 1, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Physics
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Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a method to transmit radio waves by using a laser to ionize a column of air, creating a plasma filament that acts as an antenna. The team demonstrated the technique by successfully transmitting 30 MHz VHF radio waves.
Why it matters
This technology allows for the creation of antennas that can be dynamically adjusted in length and direction without complex mechanical deployment. It offers a new way to scan multiple frequencies by simply shifting the laser beam used to form the plasma filament.
The plasma filament antenna is formed by ionizing a thin column of air with a laser, with a metal ring acting as a capacitor to provide a contactless signal feed. The experiment successfully demonstrated the transmission of 30 MHz VHF radio waves.
The players
North Carolina State University
This is a public land-grant research university located in Raleigh that is known for its engineering and technical programs.
The details
By controlling laser parameters, researchers can adjust the antenna length and steering angle, enabling flexible signal propagation. This contactless feed method utilizes an electromagnetic field from a metal ring to interact with the ionized plasma filament.
Timeline
September 1, 2026: Researchers published their findings in the IEEE Journal of Microwaves.
The Big Picture
This development marks a significant departure from the traditional fixed-length metal radio antenna by utilizing ionizable air as the physical transmission medium. It challenges legacy hardware requirements by enabling antennas that can be generated at any needed length.
This technology could eventually lead to highly versatile communication systems for future spacecraft applications that require adaptive antennas. By eliminating the need for bulky, fixed physical structures, this method may improve signal steering and frequency management in complex environments.
The takeaway
This innovation demonstrates that ionized air can successfully substitute for solid materials in radio signal transmission. Future research will focus on improving antenna performance and testing its potential as a receiver for radio signals.
Further reading
For more information on recent developments, visit the Physics section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by SciTechDaily.
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