Frequency-agile microstrip resonator using DC plasma discharge

• Published in: Electronics letters Vol. 53; no. 6; pp. 415 - 417
• Main Authors: Laquerbe, V, Pascaud, R, Callegari, T, Liard, L, Pascal, O
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Institution of Engineering and Technology 16.03.2017; IET
• Subjects: Circuits; Dielectric constant; dielectric permittivity; Dielectrics; Discharge; discharges (electric); Electronics; Engineering Sciences; frequency‐agile microstrip resonator; microstrip circuits; microstrip circular resonator; microstrip resonators; Microwave technology; Other; Permittivity; plasma relative permittivity; Plasmas; Resonators; Tuning; volume DC plasma discharge; microstrip circuits; permittivity; dielectric permittivity; volume DC plasma discharge; microstrip circular resonator; frequency-agile microstrip resonator; plasma relative permittivity; discharges (electric); microstrip resonators; Frequency tunability; Plasma discharge; Microwave resonator
• ISSN: 0013-5194; 1350-911X; 1350-911X
• DOI: 10.1049/el.2017.0261

An original and integrated solution to provide frequency agility to microstrip circuits using plasma is proposed. A volume DC plasma discharge is implemented inside a microstrip circular resonator to change its dielectric permittivity in order to tune its frequency. Plasma relative permittivity indeed exhibits positive values lower than 1. Experimental measurements confirm the tuning abilities and performances of such a solution for different pressures and types of gas.