Technology & can and could · News English
A laser helps make a new antenna
Researchers use a beam of changed air to send radio waves.
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Read the story, check the words, then answer the questions and speak.
Sending a signal with a beam
What can the new antenna do, and what has not been tested?
1On 5 October, North Carolina State University reported a new kind of antenna. An antenna sends or receives radio waves. Many antennas are metal, but this experiment uses a laser to change a thin line of air into plasma. Plasma can carry an electric current.
2The researchers connected this beam to radio equipment without touching it. A metal ring around the beam helped them do this. Their tests showed that the new antenna could send radio waves.
3The length of an antenna affects the radio frequencies it can use. With this design, researchers can change the beam by controlling the laser. They can also change its direction. This may be useful when equipment needs different signals.
4The team thinks the technology could help satellites and space research in the future. However, more work is needed to improve its performance. The researchers have not yet shown that this antenna can receive radio signals. Sending and receiving are different abilities. A successful first experiment does not mean that every possible use has been tested.
Original teaching summary. Models and practice sentences are learning examples, not news quotations.
Word help · Three useful words
Read the meanings and examples. Choose one word to use in your own sentence.
antenna
a part of equipment that sends or receives radio waves
The radio has a small antenna.
beam
a narrow line of light or energy
The torch makes a bright beam.
signal
information sent by sound, light or radio waves
My phone has a weak signal.
Check your reading · Three questions
Choose one answer for every question, then check. You can change an answer and check again.
Useful English: ability and possibility
Can describes an ability: My phone can send messages. Could describes a possibility: This idea could help people. Use the base verb after both: can send, could help. These are learning examples.
Name a useful machine. What can it do?
Model and help
Model: My phone can send messages. A better battery could help me use it for longer.
Speak: your ideas
Describe a useful machine and one possible improvement. Use can and could. Speak for 30 seconds.
Labelled model answer
My phone can send messages. A better battery could help me use it for longer.
This is an illustrative learning example, not a news quotation.
Alone: repeat without the model. Tutor: ask why the improvement could help.
Mastery check · Three questions
Choose one answer for every question, then check. You can change an answer and check again.
Sources and reporting date
NC State published this report on 5 October 2026 at 08:49 EDT (12:49 UTC). It reports completed research, not a product launch.
- NC State: Researchers demonstrate a plasma beam antenna
NC State published this report on 5 October 2026 at 08:49 EDT (12:49 UTC). It reports completed research, not a product launch. - Photograph source and credit
Background photograph of a conventional metal receiving antenna, 5 May 2024. This is not the laser experiment. Resized for display.