FDTD Analysis of a Magneto-Plasma Antenna With Uniform or Nonuniform Distribution

A cylindrical plasma antenna magnetized by an external magnetic field is presented. The piecewise linear recursive convolution finite-difference time-domain (PLRC-FDTD) method is employed to simulate the magnetized plasma antenna. The influences of magnetization, together with nonuniform distribution of the plasma on the input impedance as well as radiation patterns of the plasma antenna are investigated. Numerical results indicate that the radiation efficiency of the plasma antenna is a function of the external magnetic field. Appropriate strength of the magnetic field should be considered for obtaining the maximal radiation gain.