United States Patent 1 Koert 1) Patent Number: {s5]_Date of Patent: 5,041,834 Aug. 20, 1991 [54] ARTIFICIAL IONOSPHERIC MIRROR COMPOSED OF A PLASMA LAYER WHICH CAN BE TILTED [75] Inventor: Peter Koert, Washington, D.C. [73] Assignee: APTI, Ine., Washington, D.C. [21] Appl Nos 524,435 [22] Filed: May 17, 1990 [51] Int, as HO¢B 7/00, HO1Q 3/22 [2] Us.c. se 342/367; 342/372 [58] Field of Search ‘342/367, 383, 371, 373; 485/64 [6] References Cited US, PATENT DOCUMENTS 545.644 5/1969. Grossi et a sane 4253190. 2/1981 Csonka 55/12 4686505 9/1987 Eastlund 361/231 4712155 12/1987 Easlond etal 361/231 4817.95 4/1989 Drobor w/t Primary Examiner—Gregory C. Ising Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Foley & Lardner i7 ABSTRACT ‘This invention relates to generation of a Antficial lono- spheric Mirror (AIM), or a plasma layer in the atmo- sphere. The AIM is used like the ionosphere to reflect RF energy over great distances. A tltable AIM is cre- ated by a heater antenna controlled in phase and fre- quency. The heater antenna phase shift scans a beam to paint plasma layer. Frequency is changed to refocus at Continually higher altitudes to tilt the plasma layer. 16 Claims, 15 Drawing SheetsUS. Patent Aug. 20, 1991 Sheet 1 of 15 5,041,834Sheet 2 of 15 5,041,834 Aug, 20, 1991 U.S. Patent SSS SSS FE ESSER SS q2'9ld TOYLNOD du ied