Abstract: A plasma device having low thermal noise, which results in a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the plasma device. The plasma device includes devices with a plasma that is responsive to electromagnetic radiation and/or electrical signals. In various configurations, the plasma device has a plasma in which the temperature, resistance, pressure, and/or collision frequency are at a level sufficiently low to produce an acceptable level of noise. In another configuration, the operating frequency of the plasma device is at a level sufficiently high to produce an acceptable level of noise. Decreasing the noise level results in increasing the signal-to-noise ratio and increasing the data rate. The plasma temperature is reduced by operating the plasma device in the afterglow state. The plasma electron temperature is reduced by confining high energy electrons in a potential well and by using an electron emitting filament.

Abstract: A plasma device having low thermal noise, which results in a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the plasma device. The plasma device includes devices with a plasma that is responsive to electromagnetic radiation and/or electrical signals. In various configurations, the plasma device has a plasma in which the temperature, resistance, pressure, and/or collision frequency are at a level sufficiently low to produce an acceptable level of noise. In another configuration, the operating frequency of the plasma device is at a level sufficiently high to produce an acceptable level of noise. Decreasing the noise level results in increasing the signal-to-noise ratio and increasing the data rate. The plasma temperature is reduced by operating the plasma device in the afterglow state. The plasma electron temperature is reduced by confining high energy electrons in a potential well and by using an electron emitting filament.

Abstract: A method of operating a plasma antenna, reflector, director, and barrier, where the plasma antenna is pulsed at a pulse power for a pulse duration and a pulse frequency to energize a plasma within the plasma antenna for an afterglow duration, where the pulse duration is shorter than the afterglow duration. In this manner, the power required to operate the plasma antenna is dramatically reduced, while the power at which the antenna operates can be dramatically increased. In addition, the antenna operates primarily in the low noise afterglow phase. Thus, several problems in regard to the prior art are overcome.

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: 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: Phase shifting plasma electromagnetic waveguides and plasma electromagnetic coaxial waveguides, as well as plasma waveguide horn antennas, each of which can be reconfigurable, durable, stealth, and flexible are disclosed. Optionally, an energy modifying medium to reconfigure the waveguide such that electromagnetic waves of various wavelengths or speeds can be propagated directionally along the path can be used. Similarly, these waveguides may be modified into coaxial configurations.

Abstract: An image viewing device is described which is capable of producing images comprising at least a 180° field of view, also referred to as fisheye images. The device employs an extremely small aperture in conjunction with an optical block comprised of a refractive material. The light rays from an image pass through the aperture whereupon they are compressed in angle by the optical block to produce the fisheye image. An optional image intensifier may be employed to enhance the image produced by the optical block. Additionally, optional filters, viewers, and recording devices may be employed to enhance the image produced as well as to provide a permanent record of any images produced. The image viewing device is capable of producing high resolution color, black and white, and monochromatic fisheye images under various weather and lighting conditions.

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 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: An expandible antenna device comprising an expandable 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.

Abstract: Phase shifting plasma electromagnetic waveguides and plasma electromagnetic coaxial waveguides, as well as plasma waveguide horn antennas, each of which can be reconfigurable, durable, stealth, and flexible are disclosed. Optionally, an energy modifying medium to reconfigure the waveguide such that electromagnetic waves of various wavelengths or speeds can be propagated directionally along the path can be used. Similarly, these waveguides may be modified into coaxial configurations.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a plasma with a direct current. A nonmetallic first electrode, having a first surface and a second surface, has pores formed between the first and second surfaces. A conductive liquid is dispersed within the pores of the nonmetallic first electrode. The conductive liquid provides direct current pathways through the nonmetallic first electrode. A second electrode also has a first surface and a second surface. A direct current source provides a first direct current electrical potential and second direct current electrical potential. A first conductive connector is electrically connected to the direct current source, and is disposed adjacent the first surface of the nonmetallic first electrode. The first conductive connector receives the first direct current electrical potential from the direct current source and provides the first direct current electrical potential to the nonmetallic first electrode.

Abstract: The surface of a web or film is modified to impart the material with improved properties including wettability, printability, adhesion and static reduction. Such surface modification is achieved with an electrode structure which causes a filamentary discharge to pass generally horizontally across a surface of the electrode structure. A substrate to be treated is then positioned adjacent to the surface of the electrode structure so that the filamentary discharge is caused to flow horizontally across the surface of the substrate, in turn modifying the surface of the substrate and achieving the desired improvement in properties.

Abstract: A pair of electrodes are biased to produce an electrostatic discharge while placing a thin non electron absorbing gas layer near one or both of the electrodes which are used to develop the electric field. As a result, atmospheric oxygen, water vapor and other contaminants are removed from the regions surrounding the electrodes, allowing ionization to occur more easily. This is accomplished with an electrode structure including a hollow tube for receiving a gas, a plurality of apertures extending through the hollow tube for delivering the gas to the surface of the hollow tube, and the application of a biasing voltage for producing an electrostatic discharge in the presence of the gas. The tube can take the form of a longitudinally extending structure, or a hollow shell, depending upon the configuration of the electrostatic charging apparatus with which the electrode structure is used.

Abstract: A scanner has plasma loop or plasma window antennas for selectively scanning for ID tags along distinct radials of the scanner. Scanner elements are made electromagnetically invisible to adjacent elements by removing power or lowering plasma densities so that the scanner elements do not interfere with its own operation. Activatable ID tags and a shipping container suitable for scanning with electromagnetic energy are also disclosed.