A monopole fluorescent tube antenna in wireless communication application

This paper present investigation on plasma monopole antenna using a single fluorescent tube and reviews the antenna performance as a transmitter and receiver. From the measurement it is shown that plasma antenna is just effective as metal antennas and it can work as a transmitter and receiver signals. Plasma antenna consists of glass tube filled with some neutral gases such as Argon. In the experiment a commercially available fluorescent tube function as a plasma antenna, with length 0.31m (l) and diameter 0.031m (r) is used as the plasma antenna. The tube was energized by 12 V DC, and 0.8 A current, which is provided by a standard DC power supply. The DC power supply was connected to DC ballast before directed to both electrodes of the fluorescent tube. A Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) is connected to coupling sleeve. This simulation is performed by using the simulation software Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio. The frequency target range 700MHz until 900MHz which is this frequency can apply in ultra high frequency (UHF).