Testing and design of plasma discharges and plasma antennas

Position: Research appointment (pre-doc) Institute: Uni. Padua
Posted on: 26/03/2026 Deadline: 10/04/2026

Scientific-Disciplinary Group

09/IINF-02 - Electromagnetic Fields

Description

Design and implementation of an experimental setup for the characterization of plasma discharges intended for plasma antennas operating in the C/X band. Measurement campaign on different plasma discharge designs to identify pressure levels, input powers, dimensions, materials, and electrode geometries enabling optimization of electron density and plasma frequency. Integration of a microwave interferometric system into the measurement bench for independent evaluation of electron density.Design and implementation of a second measurement setup for the characterization of radiation parameters of C/X-band plasma antennas. Integration within the setup of: (i) a VNA for scattering parameter (S-parameter) assessment, (ii) a signal generator, power amplifier, and spectrum analyser to obtain the radiation pattern. Antenna characterization and setup validation through measurements in an anechoic chamber.

Compensation

20,344 Euro

Number of positions

1

Funding body

Centro di Ateneo di Studi e Attività Spaziali