Optimization of parameters of binary phase axicons for the generation of terahertz vortex surface plasmon polaritons on cylindrical conductors

Abstract

The feasibility of generating surface plasmon polaritons carrying orbital angular momentum ("vortex plasmons") on cylindrical conductors by an end-fire coupling technique in the spectral range from 8.5 to 141 μm (~ 2-40 THz) is considered. The front face of the cylinder is illuminated by Bessel beams formed using binary spiral phase axicons, or annual vortex beams formed in the focal plane of an additional lens. Graphs are constructed that reveal the relationship between the waveguide parameters (conductor diameter, which is equal to the diameter of the illuminating beam, and the “twist” angle of the plasmon) and the axicon parameters (the ratio of the axicon period to the radiation wavelength) for the above wavelengths and topological charges of the beams ranging from 1 to 9. The results obtained indicate the possibility of conducting experiments in the long-wavelength range for modeling a plasmon multiplex communication channel.