Time domain analysis of patch antennas in a magnetized plasma by the spatial network method

The near field of a patch antenna in a magnetized plasma is simulated by use of the spatial network method, which is a three-dimensional time domain simulation method. Two fundamental cases are examined in the radiated field: where the direction of the constant magnetic field is perpendicular to the patch plane, and where it is parallel. Results show that radiation characteristics of patch antennas in a magnetized plasma are different from those in free space. It was also confirmed that the Faraday effect is shown in the near field when a perpendicular constant magnetic field is applied to the antenna. In this analysis, the free boundary condition is approximated by terminating the volume with the free space characteristic impedance. A stricter model is necessary, if a reflectionless boundary is to be realized