I understand that ionized gas antennas are common in stealth aircraft
designs. ie they have low RCS until the ionisation is turned on.

Try a fluorescent tube as an antenna. It does work.. I'd be concerned
about the noise generated on RX though.

Using lasers? My gut feel is that the power needed to do the ionizing
would be attenuated off pretty quickly. Also keep in mind that the act
of ionizing the air will also serve to defocus the beam of light giving
it less range again.

If you prove me wrong though I'll be most happy!

Cheers Bob VK2YQA



Do you think the ionized path in the air could be used to carry HF currents?
With strong laser beams -if they don't diverge too quickly- this would lead
to "virtual" very long wire antennas easy to erect!

Fran�ois f6flt