{
  "id": 12197409,
  "title": "Lightsaber-like plasma antenna uses laser-ionized air to transmit radio waves",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/lightsaber-like-plasma-antenna-uses-laser-ionized-air-to-transmit",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-05T17:20:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-10-lightsaber-plasma-antenna-laser-ionized.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Researchers have developed a plasma beam antenna that transmits radio waves like a lightsaber. This antenna, described in the IEEE Journal of Microwaves, can be tuned to transmit across a broad range of frequencies. The antenna is created by ionizing a thin beam of air with a laser, forming a plasma filament that can have its length controlled by adjusting the laser parameters. This beam can be used as an antenna to transmit signals without the need for complex mechanical deployment mechanisms. The researchers also created a contactless antenna feed, a metal ring that acts as a capacitor, to connect the antenna to radio technology and transmit signals. By controlling the laser parameters, the length of the plasma filament can be adjusted, allowing the antenna to be tuned to different frequencies. This could be useful for applications such as space exploration, where a wide range of frequencies is required. Additionally, the ability to control the angle of the antenna via beam steering could improve signal strength or target specific directions for radar sweeps.",
  "summary": "Researchers have demonstrated a technique that uses a laser to produce a plasma beam antenna capable of transmitting radio waves. The article, \"Laser-Induced-Plasma-Filament Antenna Transmitting 30 MHz VHF,\" is published in the IEEE Journal of Microwaves.",
  "key_points": [
    "Researchers create plasma beam antenna resembling lightsaber.",
    "Laser-ionized air forms plasma filament for antenna.",
    "Tunable antenna useful for space exploration and radar."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}