Radiation Efficiency of Some Satellite Aerials in an Ionized Medium

Abstract

Using linearized hydrodynamic theory and appropriate current distribution, radiation efficiencies of a dipole, a turnstile, a comer driven square loop and an Alford aerial immersed in an isotropic ionized media are compared at various plasma frequencies. It is found that the radiation efficiency of all the aerials except that of the Alford aerial decreases rapidly With increase in plasma frequency. The efficiency of the Alford aerial is very high and remains almost constant at all plasma frequencies. It is concluded that the Alford aerial is a better aerial for working in the ionized medium and its deployment on Indian satellites for ionospheric research purposes is suggested.