Effect of antenna helicity on discharge characteristics of helicon plasma under a divergent magnetic field

The characteristics of the blue core phenomenon observed in a divergent magnetic field helicon plasma are investigated using two different helical antennas, namely right-handed and lefthanded helical antennas. The mode transition, discharge image, spatial profiles of plasma density and electron temperature are diagnosed using a Langmuir probe, a Nikon D90 camera,an intensified charge-coupled device camera and an optical emission spectrometer, respectively.The results demonstrated that the blue core phenomenon appeared in the upstream region of the discharge tube at a fixed magnetic field under both helical antennas. However, it is more likely to appear in a right-handed helical antenna, in which the plasma density and ionization rate of the helicon plasma are higher. The spatial profiles of the plasma density and electron temperature are also different in both axial and radial directions for these two kinds of helical antenna. The wavelength calculated based on the dispersion relation of the bounded whistler wave is consistent with the order of magnitude of plasma length. It is proved that the helicon plasma is part of the wave mode discharge mechanism.

A NEW MOMENT METHOD FOR THE FAST AND ACCURATE ANALYSIS OF NORMAL MODE HELICAL ANTENNAS

In this letter, a new moment method using helical segments is presented to model Normal Mode Helical Antenna (NMHA). Using this method, the NMHA can be modeled by a few segments. The current distributions and radiation patterns of some NMHAs are calculated.A comparison is made between results obtained using this helical segment algorithm and a linear segment algorithm, and the results of the two algorithms agree fairly well. When calculating the impedance matrix [Z], all the elements of the matrix can be obtained by only calculating a few elements with the application of the symmetric and periodic characteristics of the NMHA.Therefore, the CPU time and the memory storage are significantly reduced, with the accuracy and speed enhanced.

Bi-Directional Excitation of Radio Frequency Waves Using a Helical Antenna in Non-Uniform Plasmas towards a Compact Magnetoplasma Thruster

Magnetoplasma thruster is one of the attractive plasma engines for space propulsion in future manned deep space exploration. Usually two helical antennas are equipped to produce and heat plasmas with separate radio frequency sources. It is presented in this paper that a helical antenna, which is used to launch one wave mode in one direction so far, exhibits bi-directional nature, where the waves with different mode numbers are launched and couple with electrons and ions selectively in opposite directions. A two-dimensional numerical calculation is performed to predict wave propagation and power absorption in a non-uniform hydrogen plasma immersed in a non-uniform external static magnetic field, based on the hot plasma theory. It is confirmed that appropriate choice of the excitation condition of the antenna can select axial propagation direction of specific wave modes and consequently select a species that absorbs power from generated waves. A small-scale experiment is performed to confirm the prediction of the calculation. By measuring a change in electron and ion temperatures due to the wave launch from the helical antenna, it is found that both the production and heating at different axial positions are accomplished simultaneously by one antenna showing that another type of the radio frequency driven magnetoplasma thruster would be achieved.

THE MOMENT METHOD ON RESONANT QUADRIFILAR HELICAL ANTENNAS

An efficient measure is taken to rearrange Nakano’s kernels of integral equationsfor an antenna system composed of arbitrarily bent wires.By means of the moment method,great efforts are made to analyze and compute the circularly polarized patterns,directivity,axialratio,front-to-back ratio and beam-shaping characteristics of resonant quadrifilar helical antennasas well as the feeding technique and the effect of an electrically large conducting body on theperformance of the antennas.

High-Power 30-Element Helical Antenna Array

A new radial-line helical array (RLHA) using dual-branch helical antennas has been designed for improving the power capacity of RLHAs. The helical element is cavity-backed to lower the mutual coupling and its power capacity is higher than the conventional ones. The components of the proposed array are discussed and the power capacity is obtained by simulation. Compared with the typical RLHAs, the proposed sub-array has not only higher power capacity but also uses fewer elements. Experimentally, the measured results of an array prototype indicate that high gain as well as circular polarization has been successfully achieved.

Feed Signal Influence and Potential Performances of a Compact Radiation Source Based on a Helical Antenna

In the class of emerging high power electromagnetic sources, a complete pulsed power source, named MOUNA (French acronym of “Module Oscillant Utilisant une Nouvelle Architecture”) has been developed. This device must transmit waveforms with a wide frequency band and a high figure-of-merit. To improve the overall performance of the MOUNA system while maintaining its compact size, two approaches are being explored in the paper: the replacement of the dipole antenna by a helical antenna and its feeding signal influence. Helical antenna is cylindrical shape and relatively compact. It offers relatively good gain factor and directivity. The waveform delivered to the antenna is directly related to the amplitude of the radiated electric field. Therefore, different waveforms (step pulse, Gaussian pulse, bipolar pulse and damped sinusoid) are compared to point out the feed signal influence on the radiated electric field. Switch oscillators appear to be considered as interesting resonant sources for driving an antenna. The novel radiating source consists of a primary power source, a resonant transformer, a coaxial transmission line damped oscillator (also termed as coaxial resonator), and a helical antenna. This high voltage pulsed source is very compact (volume of only 2500 cc without the antenna). Our study aims at designing the antenna (number of turns, size…) and a coaxial damped oscillator directly implemented at the output of the transformer. A CST-based simulation is proposed to predict the performances of this wideband source.

STUDY ON A NOVEL ELLIPSOIDAL HELICAL ANTENNA

A novel ellipsoidal helical antenna is proposed and studied in this letter. As a special in-stance,the hemispherical helical antennas are analyzed firstly,which indicates that the characteristics of a two-arm unit are better than that of a single-arm unit. Based on this,the ellipsoidal helical antenna,formed by changing the axial direction’s dimension of the two-arm hemispherical helical antenna,is analyzed by the moment method with curved basic and testing function. The effects to VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio),gain,polarization and patterns by the axial direction’s dimensions are inves-tigated. The study results provide dependable gist to the choice of antenna format according to the practical requirements.

A Study on the Control of BDSIGPS Self-phase Quadrifilar Helical Antenna for Ship

A reconfigurable, self-phase quadrifilar helical antenna was designed at BDS/GPS frequency band. The impedance, gain and directivity of the antenna were studied by HFSS based on FEM （finite element method） and experiment. Results show the beam width of the main lobe of the pattern can reach over 160° with the help of the load on the top of the antenna. And the power of the side-lobe level is very low. In addition, the quadrifitar helix antenna has excellent right-hand circular polarization performance with a beam width of 180°. Both single-frequency and double-frequency communications can be carried out by the antenna in the ranges between 1.2 and 1.8 GHz, with the bandwidth of each frequency about 60 MHz, the simulating and experimental results are nearly the same.

A Very Compact Normal Mode Multiloop Helical Antenna with Enhanced Bandwidth

The physical size of an antenna becomes an important characteristic when receiving signals in bands with long wavelengths. Size determines two important aspects of antenna performance;impedance and efficiency. For example, the VHF antennas installed on radio sets that intended to receive FM or the latest technology Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) radio signals in Bands II, III respectively. Antennas that are installed on mobile platforms (i.e. portable receivers) require a receiver that utilizes a whip telescopic antenna with adjustable length which can operate as a λ/4 monopole antenna. Whereas, non-portable applications like a deck commercial receiver has no built in antenna due to the large size of the radiator needed and so must be connected with an external antenna. This paper presents a new design of a very small size Normal Mode Multiloop Helical Antenna (NMMHA) with superior performance developed for commercial receivers operate in band II, III. The major drawback which has been overcome with this design is the very narrow bandwidth of the Normal Mode Helical Antenna, which originally was optimized to provide the minimum Voltage Standing Wave Ratio VSWR response across Band II (87.5 - 108 MHz). The NMMHA’s size allows it to be a build in block of a deck commercial receiver.

Design and Construction of Axial Mode Mono-Filar Helical Antenna for Hydrogen Line Emission Studies with 4NEC2 Tool

Antennas have come to play a significant role in the reception and transmission of electromagnetic radiation or signals which in turn have improved scientific research in the various areas where they have been used. Astronomy is not left out;as a study of everything beyond earth’s atmosphere, useful signals have to travel great distances to reach us. Hence the need for equipment to detect such signals. The Helical Antenna is known to possess high gain (directivity) and can process signals with any type of orientation/polarization which implies high sensitivity hence the desire to use it. Simulation was done using the legacy 4NEC2 software. The purpose of this paper is to design a circularly polarized helical antenna operating in axial mode that is suitable for detection of neutral hydrogen line emission at the frequency of 1420 MHz and to show how it can be used as a feed for an off-set parabolic dish.

Directional power absorption in helicon plasma sources excited by a half-helix antenna

This paper deals with the investigation of the power absorption in helicon plasma excited through a half-helix antenna driven at 13.56 MHz. The simulations were carried out by means of a code,HELIC. They were carried out by taking into account different inhomogeneous radial density profiles and for a wide range of plasma densities, from 10^（11） cm^（-3） to 10^（13） cm^（-3）. The magnetic field was 200, 400, 600 and 1000 G. A three-parameter function was used for generating various density profiles with different volume gradients, edge gradients and density widths. The density profile had a large effect on the efficient Trivelpiece–Gould（TG） and helicon mode excitation and antenna coupling to the plasma. The fraction of power deposition via the TG mode was extremely dependent on the plasma density near the plasma boundary. Interestingly, the obtained efficient parallel helicon wavelength was close to the anticipated value for Gaussian radial density profile.Power deposition was considerably asymmetric when the n/B_0 ratio was more than a specific value for a determined density width. The longitudinal power absorption was symmetric at approximately n_0 =10^（11） cm^（-3）, irrespective of the magnetic field supposed. The asymmetry became more pronounced when the plasma density was 10^（12） cm^（-3）. The ratio of density width to the magnetic field was an important parameter in the power coupling. At high magnetic fields, the maximum of the power absorption was reached at higher plasma density widths. There was at least one combination of the plasma density, magnetic field and density width for which the RF power deposition at both side of the tube reached its maximum value.

基于双螺旋结构的紧凑型全向圆极化天线

针对混合法向模螺旋天线方向图不对称问题,提出了一种基于双螺旋法向模的紧凑型全向圆极化天线。该天线主要由两种不同尺寸的螺旋、连接不同尺寸螺旋的两对金属短棒以及馈电巴伦组成。其中,大小螺旋分别主要贡献水平极化和垂直极化,从而实现全向圆极化辐射。相对于单螺旋法向模天线,该双螺旋天线结构更对称,能够实现更为均匀的全向辐射方向图。同时,利用两对金属短棒将大小螺旋进行级联,天线结构更加紧凑,横向尺寸仅为0.15λ。研究结果显示,该天线仿真轴比带宽2.29~2.49GHz,全向增益范围1.2~2.2dBic,能够实现良好的全向圆极化辐射。天线采用金属3D打印技术进行加工。实测结果与仿真结果吻合良好,实测轴比带宽2.27~2.47GHz,最大增益2.08dBic,水平面轴比小于3d B,适用于室内物联网等应用场景。

S频段阿基米德锥柱螺旋天线设计

根据卫星S频段测控系统通信需求,设计了S频段宽频带高增益圆极化的阿基米德锥柱螺旋天线。通过四分之一波长同轴缝隙巴伦完成信号的平衡-不平衡转化以及宽带阻抗匹配。双臂阿基米德天线可以很好地提供圆极化特性,作为锥台的FR4材料除了为天线提供支撑,也有效地完成了增益与波束宽度的控制。实测天线在收发频段内驻波比小于1.5,±70°范围内增益大于0 dBi,轴比小于5 dB,可有效地实现测控天线的收发复用功能。

星载双臂螺旋天线结构设计与振动仿真测试

本文根据某型航天器的任务需求,设计了一种星载双臂螺旋天线。设计过程中基于火箭发射过程中严苛复杂的力学环境,针对天线可能承受的高强度振动,充分考虑天线的材料、安装、结构强度等因素,对天线进行了多项力学仿真。仿真结果符合设计要求,并且与力学环境试验结果相符。天线电气性能测试结果在力学环境试验前后无明显变化。该天线结构简单,安装便捷,性能可靠,具有良好的空间适应性,对具有类似结构的星载天线有着指导意义。

The Influence of Magnetic Field on Antenna Performance in Plasma

A spacecraft loses all forms of communication, including global positioning system signals, data telemetry, voice communication and so on, when it enters the communication blackout phase. This becomes more and more critical with the development of reentry vehicle missions since radio blackout brings about many serious issues related to vehicle safety. This paper studies the influence of magnetic field on antenna performance in plasma. The results indicate that the effect of plasma on the antenna performance can be negligible when the magnetic field reaches a certain strength. This provides another way to solve the reentry blackout problem.

变压器局部放电特高频传感器的研究与应用

针对目前变压器局放传感器灵敏度低、频带窄等问题,采用平面等角螺旋天线设计特高频传感器,采用直线代替指数渐变巴伦,仿真验证螺旋内径、巴伦宽度和高度对天线性能的影响,表明随着平面等角螺旋天线的螺旋内径r0的增加,回波损耗在低频段波动性逐渐变强,频带宽度降低;巴伦端宽度w1对天线回波损耗低频段的稳定性和频带宽度的影响也十分明显;巴伦高度h则主要会影响天线回波损耗高频段的性能,随着巴伦高度的增加,回波损耗呈现先增加后减小的趋势。基于天线仿真优化尺寸,研制了基于法兰安装的变压器局放特高频传感器,利用变压器局部放电模拟系统进行实测,回波损耗S11小于10dB带宽为0.38~3GHz,增益可达3.64dB。结果表明传感器抗干扰能力强,天线性能良好,可用于变压器局部放电在线检测及故障诊断。

标签纱天线的阻抗测试及其准确性评价

为了解决标签纱天线的变形和差分夹具与天线间不良接触引起的阻抗测试结果准确性差的问题,改进了差分夹具的触点,并设计了系列控制因素实验确定影响阻抗结果的基本因素,制定实现天线阻抗准确、重复测量的规范化方法。结果表明,圆形触垫的引入提高了天线与差分夹具间接触的有效性且不会引入额外的测试误差。天线的弯曲曲率K和阻抗的测试位置与实际馈电点间距离(TD)的增加都会导致谐振频率减小,天线与差分夹具间压强(P,常通过差分夹具的下降距离DD调节)对阻抗测试结果无显著性影响,统计分析显示影响阻抗测试结果的因素主次顺序为K>TD>P(或DD)。验证实验表明,提出的阻抗测试操作程序具有良好的可靠性和实用性,为进一步优化设计标签天线的结构提供了参考。

基于柔性馈电螺旋天线和硅光电倍增管的GIS局部放电联合传感技术

由于现场干扰和系统噪声的影响,通过常规电学方法检测气体绝缘开关设备(gas insulated switchgear,GIS)内的局部放电(partial discharge,PD)容易造成漏检与误检的情况。为提高局部放电检测的准确率,并进一步探究GIS中不同缺陷的放电特性差异,该文提出基于粒子群优化算法的四臂螺旋天线优化流程,设计适配的柔性功分馈电网络,并与荧光光纤加载的硅光电倍增管结合,形成基于特高频(ultra high frequency,UHF)天线和硅光电倍增管结合的局部放电光–电联合传感技术。在此基础上,通过联合传感器对GIS典型缺陷放电信号进行侦测并作统计分析。结果表明,柔性功分网络加载的四臂螺旋天线在0.5~2.0GHz范围内增益均高于5.0dBi,具有高增益与小型化特性;联合传感器的光信号与特高频信号均与放电量保持线性关系;光电联合传感对于电晕放电、沿面放电和气隙放电具有不同的感知效率,不同缺陷类型的局部放电间隔时间也具有不同的特征。使用光–电联合检测技术能够为GIS中的局部放电检测提供新的、可靠的解决方案。

基于FDC工艺的介电常数可控介质及其在天线中的应用

本文提出了一种通过陶瓷熔融沉积成型(FDC)工艺制备的介电常数可控介质。采用由聚烯烃和二氧化钛制成的FDC丝材打印出圆柱形样品并测试其微波特性。研究发现,通过调节打印过程中的填充率和流量率,可以将打印样品的相对介电常数从2变化到6。此外,测试结果表明,样品的损耗角正切值很低,该FDC丝材是一种适用于微波领域的材料。在此基础上,利用FDC工艺和介电常数可控介质,以宽带圆极化介质螺旋天线为例进行了制备和测试。研究表明,可以利用FDC工艺方便地制造出具有复杂结构的介质微波器件。

天线在微波热疗中的应用研究综述

微波热疗天线是微波治疗癌症的关键因素之一.近年来,微波热疗天线技术得到了广泛的关注与研究,但本领域内相关综述鲜有报道.基于此,对现有的微波热疗天线技术进行整理,从介入式热疗、平面螺旋式、波导式、微带式、透镜式天线等主要方向对现有研究进行了归纳总结,阐述了各研究热点的模型特点和关键方法.最后,对微波热疗天线技术进行了总结梳理,并探讨了未来的研究热点方向.