Transmission characteristics of electromagnetic waves in 2D tunable plasma photonic crystals

The transmission characteristics of electromagnetic waves in a 2D plasma photonic crystal (PPC) in the frequency range of 1–12 GHz are investigated by experiments and numerical simulations. For PPC composed of discharge plasma tubes, the transmission characteristics of electromagnetic waves in PPC can be adjusted by changing the discharge current. The transmission characteristics of PPC in different array arrangements and working modes are obtained experimentally; the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method is used to obtain the band structure of PPC in different array arrangements and working modes. The results show the following: the simulation results of the layered model are close to the experimental results; whether the discharge plasma tube is working or not has an important influence on the transmission characteristics of PPC; and Bragg scattering and the localized surface plasmons (LSPs) are the main reasons for the generation of the bandgap. The increase in electron density causes the bandgap to move to higher frequencies and increases the number of bandgaps. The research results can be used as a reference for the evaluation of electromagnetic properties of 2D PPCs and the design of new devices such as plasma antennas.