Development of leaky-wave antenna for digitally controlled millimeter-wave interferometer

Area of Science:

• Plasma physics
• Electromagnetics
• Interferometry

Background:

• Electron density distribution is crucial for understanding plasma behavior.
• Existing measurement techniques face limitations in spatial resolution and coverage.
• Interferometry offers a non-invasive method for plasma diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a new interferometer concept for electron-density measurement.
• To introduce an image non-radiative dielectric guide antenna for wide-area probing.
• To achieve high spatial and moderate temporal resolution in electron-density mapping.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel interferometer concept.
• Design and fabrication of an image non-radiative dielectric guide antenna using electromagnetic simulation.
• Experimental validation of the antenna's radiation patterns and characteristics.
• Analysis of frequency-dependent scanning properties.

Main Results:

• The proposed interferometer concept enables electron-density distribution measurement.
• The fabricated antenna demonstrated consistent simulated and measured radiation patterns.
• The antenna exhibits required scanning characteristics dependent on input frequency.
• Simultaneous probing of a wide measurement area is achievable.

Conclusions:

• The novel interferometer concept with the developed antenna is effective for electron-density measurement.
• The antenna's design facilitates simultaneous, wide-area probing with high spatial resolution.
• The findings contribute to advancements in plasma diagnostic techniques.