High-School Science Project

Function of radio-transmitter antenna
The goal is to test the hypothesis that a radio wave is not a unitary electromagnetic wave but instead is a shower of modest-length photons radiating from emf waves (front and back of voltage wave) as they propagate between ends of the antenna.
Studies on loop conductor
 * Using two(or more)-channel oscilloscope with signal generator and nanosecond time resolution, determine time for voltage pulse (leading edge of square wave) to reach points at various distances from positive input.  This can be done with test probes clamped to well separated uninsulated points on a loop conductor (wire forming a complete circuit from source to ground).
 * If oscilloscope cannot resolve this time difference, use longer wire between test probes.
 * If oscilloscope still can’t resolve this time, wind the wire as a spiral coil on a wooden dowel to increase inductance.  Increase number of coil loops to slow voltage pulse enough for time-course resolution.
 * If oscilloscope still can’t resolve this time, replace dowel with steel rod, perhaps a coat-hanger.
 * Using a sufficiently slow conductor, straighten two well separated 4-inch segments.  These will be test segments.
 * To each oscilloscope-channel’s probes, connect a wire loop with a 4-inch straight mid segment, each straight segment being a radiation probe.
 * Place radiation probes close to and parallel to test segments and tune channels to optimize screen display of signals.

 * Record probe signal intensities and emf directions with various probe locations, probe orientations, and objects (including polarizing filters) between test segments and probes.

 * Record probe signal shape with longer and longer voltage square-waves, noting signal decline during sustained voltage.

 * Repeat key measurements with entire loop-conductor shielded by cardboard layered with hardware cloth or aluminum screen (to block unintentional signals) with windows above test segments for intentional signal transfer.  Might be little different.
 * These studies should demonstrate that a voltage change moves as wave front from a source to the conductor's far end, that radiation occurs from any segment only as the voltage front and rear pass, that the radiation is polarized and bears information as to direction and valence of the passing voltage-change wave.
Studies on open circuit ie broken conductor
 * Cut the loop conductor at the midpoint and lay out the halves at some distance from each other.  Repeat key measurements.

Wave reflections of opposite emf valence may be observed.  Wave reflection is a feature of transmitter antennas.  By adjusting frequency, it may be possible to achieve a standing wave, best demonstrated with four evenly spaced radiation probes.
Studies on dipole transmitter antenna
 * Form the two conductor segments into a dipole antenna: conductors adjacent over the first few inches near to signal generator, then turning 90 degrees in opposite directions.  Repeat key measurements.

Wires in dipole-antenna configuration should behave the same as the wires layed out randomly, as regards what happens at various locations and times.
Characterize determinants of transmission efficiency
 * Look at signal picked up by a receiver antenna at various distances and orientations and with various objects in the way.
 * Adjust generator wave form and frequency to establish a standing wave.  Observe strength of signal in receiver antenna as standing wave is achieved.

Mapping wave source vs time

 * Shield transmitter antenna to allow radiation only from selected segments, to characterize sources of radiation at various moments after pulse initiation.  One should see that the signal leaves the transmitter antenna when and where the voltage-change wave is passing.  Parts of the transmitter antenna where and when the voltage-change front is not passing do not participate in radiation to the receiver antenna.  This will require careful time accounting.

Possible findings
 * The above studies might disclose interesting features of electromagnetic radiation and magnetism.
 * It may be possible to demonstrate that the significant radio signal is from the emf pulse during its propagation, not from voltage oscillations, this contary to numerous accounts of transmitter-antenna function.
 * One might get evidence that the significant radiation is of modest wave length (eg infra-red) not the length of radio waves, ie a radio wave is not a photon or unitary electromagnetic wave; it is a shower of modest-length photons (possibly IR) alternating in abundance and spin orientation during each cycle, contrary to some definitions of electromagnetic spectrum and photons.
 * Finally, explanations and accounts of magnetic force are mind-boggling.  Antenna radiation is kin to or the same as or easily confused with establishing and collapsing magnetic fields.  Observing these phenomena and contemplating them might evoke a valuable new insight into the nature of magnetism and radiation.
   Antenna mechanism        Photon model