Distortion of a twisted beam passing through a plasma layer

Area of Science:

• Plasma physics
• Optics
• Electromagnetism

Background:

• Vortex beams (VB) are crucial for advanced optical applications.
• Understanding VB behavior in plasma is essential for communication and diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of a cold collision-less magnetized plasma layer on vortex beam properties.
• To analyze the intensity profile, phase distribution, and centroid position of transmitted VBs.

Main Methods:

• Utilized angular spectral expansion.
• Employed a 4x4 matrix method for calculating transmission coefficients.
• Performed numerical analyses to study VB evolution.

Main Results:

• Transmitted VB intensity and phase profiles are significantly influenced by mode numbers, magnetic field strength, plasma density, and incident angle.
• Quantified the displacement of the VB centroid with varying angular mode numbers.
• Observed distortions in transverse intensity and phase profiles.

Conclusions:

• The study provides quantitative insights into VB propagation through magnetized plasma.
• Findings are relevant for optimizing VB communication, radar probing, and plasma diagnostic techniques.
• Highlights the sensitivity of VBs to plasma parameters and external fields.