Creation of twisted terahertz waves carrying orbital angular momentum via a plasma vortex

摘要

In this paper a new method for generating twisted terahertz radiation is proposed. The generation of twisted terahertz radiation in a plasma vortex, where the plasma density profile has helical structure, is investigated. The method is described on the basis of angular momentum exchange between plasma vortex and laser beam. The interaction of the vortex plasma and photons causes the laser angular momentum to change. Twisted terahertz radiation is produced at the beat frequency of laser and electron plasma waves. In this process, for Gaussian laser modes, the angular momentum of terahertz wave derives from the plasma vortex, while for the Laguerre-Gaussian it originates in the difference in topological charge of the laser and electron plasma vortex.