Abstract
Plasma layers at atmospheric pressure, are good broad band absorbers of electromagnetic radiation. However, to get substantial attenuations, two parameters have to be optimized. These are the plasma number density, and the thickness of the plasma layer. It is found that in order to be an effective attenuator of microwave radiation, a plasma layer has to have a number density in the 1013 cm−3 range, and a thickness equal or larger than the wavelength of the incident wave. However, as the frequency increases, the amount of attenuation tends to reach a limiting value directly proportional to the number density.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
M. Laroussi, “Interactions of Microwaves with Atmospheric Pressure Plasmas”, Int. J of Infrared and Millimeter Waves, Vol. 16,No. 12, pp. 2069–2083, 1995.
M. Laroussi, “Interaction of An Air Plasma Layer Covering a Conducting Surface with Microwaves”, in Proc. 1997 IEEE ICOPS, p. 135.
M. Laroussi, “Studies of the Reflectivity and Scattering of the One Atmosphere Glow discharge Plasma”, in Proc. 1996 IEEE ICOPS, p. 294.
M. Laroussi, “Scattering of Electromagnetic Waves by a Layer of Air Plasma Surrounding a Conducting Cylinder”, Int. J. of Infrared and Millimeter Waves, Vol. 17,No. 12, pp. 2215–2232, 1996.
R. J. Vidmar, “On the Use of Atmospheric Pressure Plasmas as Electromagnetic Reflectors and Absorbers”, IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci., Vol. 18, pp. 733–741, 1990.
M. A. Heald and C. B. Wharton, “Plasma Diagnostics with Microwaves”, Krieger Pub., New york, 1978.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Laroussi, M., Anderson, W.T. Attenuation of Electromagnetic Waves by a Plasma Layer at Atmospheric Pressure. International Journal of Infrared and Millimeter Waves 19, 453–464 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022559710578
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022559710578