Abstract: An antenna element comprising at least two conductive elements, and a fluid (e.g., gas or vapor) filled bulb or tube positioned between the conductive elements is provided. The fluid is capable of ionization such that when the fluid in the bulb or tube is energized, the conductive elements electrically communicate with one another, and when the fluid is not energized, the conductive elements do not electrically communicate with one another.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an antenna having a reconfigurable length, and a method of reconfiguring an antenna. The antenna can comprise an enclosed composition capable of forming plasma operable as an antenna; an energy source configured for applying variable energy levels to the composition to thereby form variable plasma configurations; and an enclosure containing the composition. The enclosure can have a proximal end, wherein upon application of a first energy level to the composition, a first plasma length with respect to the proximal end is formed, and upon application of a second energy level to the composition, a second plasma length with respect to the proximal end is formed.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn toward plasma electromagnetic waveguides and plasma electromagnetic coaxial waveguides that are reconfigurable, durable, stealth, and flexible. Specifically, the present invention discloses and describes a reconfigurable electromagnetic waveguide comprised of a) an elongated non-conductive enclosure defining a propagation path for directional electromagnetic wave propagation; b) a composition contained within the enclosure capable of forming a plasma, said plasma having a skin depth along a surface within the enclosure such that the electromagnetic waves penetrate the skin depth and are primarily propagated directionally along the path; and c) an energy source to form the plasma. Optionally, an energy modifying medium to reconfigure the waveguide such that electromagnetic waves of various wavelengths may be propagated directionally along the path may be used. Similarly, these waveguides may be modified into coaxial configurations.

Abstract: An antenna system for receiving electromagnetic waves of predetermined frequency range is disclosed comprising an antenna configured for receiving electromagnetic waves; and a plasma filter configured for reflecting a first electromagnetic frequency emitted from a remote source, while at the same time passing a second electromagnetic frequency, such that one of the first electromagnetic frequency and the second electromagnetic frequency is received by the antenna. The electromagnetic wave filter can comprise a power medium positioned with respect to a region of space; a composition disposed within the region of space for forming a plasma; an energy source electromagnetically coupled to the power medium such that a plasma may be formed in the region of space; and a control mechanism for varying plasma density within the region of space, wherein the plasma density will reflect a first electromagnetic frequency emitted from a remote source, while at the same time passing a second electromagnetic frequency.

Abstract: An expandible antenna device comprising an expandible shell defining an interior chamber, wherein the shell is radially expandible from a central axis within the chamber; an elongated support structure disposed along the central axis and at least partially within the chamber; and an antenna element coupled to the shell such that the antenna is dimensionally stable when the shell is in an expanded position is disclosed. Additionally, an antenna element comprised of conductive elements joined by fluid filled bulbs or tubes wherein the fluid is capable of ionization is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn toward a plasma antenna that is preferably reconfigurable, methods of generating plasma antennas, and a method of reconfiguring the radiation pattern of a plasma antenna. The plasma antenna is comprised of a) an enclosed chamber; b) a composition contained within the enclosed chamber capable of forming a plasma; c) at least three energizing points capable of forming electromagnetic contact with the composition; and d) an energy source coupled to the at three energizing points for developing at least one conductive path of plasma within the enclosed chamber. Preferably, a modifying mechanism may be utilized to reconfigure the conductive path.