Workshop: Plasma Photonics, Metamaterials, Strongly Coupled Plasmas

The integration of plasma elements with engineered electromagnetic structures—commonly referred to as metastructures—opens new possibilities for highly adaptable control of electromagnetic wave propagation. Plasma can exhibit a broad range of electromagnetic behaviors, from dielectric-like to metallic, which can be rapidly adjusted by tuning electrical excitation parameters. When this intrinsic tunability is combined with the advanced wave-shaping capabilities of metastructures, it becomes possible to dynamically tailor the electromagnetic response of devices, even across different frequency bands, depending on design and application needs.

This synergistic approach enables advanced functionalities that are increasingly relevant in modern microwave systems, such as real-time control of wave direction, selective manipulation of scattering patterns, and adaptable frequency behavior. Plasma-based metastructures can also be integrated with conventional components—like antennas—to provide dynamic reconfigurability, allowing the system to enhance or suppress transmission and reception in specific directions. This can significantly improve antenna performance in complex and evolving environments. As an alternative to more conventional tuning techniques, plasma offers distinct advantages in specific scenarios, including fast response, wide adjustability, and the ability to become effectively transparent when switched off.

The presentation will highlight practical device concepts based on this approach, supported by numerical simulations and preliminary experimental results. Aspects of electromagnetic modeling and characterization will also be briefly addressed. This technology holds potential for future microwave systems in areas such as adaptive communications, advanced sensing, and reconfigurable radar, where on-demand control of electromagnetic behavior is becoming increasingly important.

Funding acknowledgement

This work has been developed in the frame of the activities of the Project PULSE, funded by the European Innovation Council under the EIC Pathfinder Open 2022 program (protocol number 10109931). Project website is: https://www.pulse-pathfinder.eu/.