A Wideband OAM Antenna Based on Chiral Harmonic Diffraction

An orbital angular momentum (OAM) antenna based on chiral harmonic diffraction of spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPP) is demonstrated in this letter. Due to the diffraction of the helical wire, SSPP is transformed into the high-purity OAM mode. The operation frequency is determined by SSPP, and the topological charge is manipulated by modulating the harmonic order. Additionally, this system achieves a frequency-controlled beam-scanning characteristic in a wide bandwidth from 7.8 to 12.6 GHz, and the measurement data agrees well with the theoretical analysis and the simulation results. Furthermore, the OAM antenna validated in this letter is compact, easy-fabricated, and robust.The underlying principle opens up a new train of thought for generating OAM mode and paves the versatile applications involving wireless communication.

Automated summary

This letter demonstrates an orbital angular momentum (OAM) antenna based on chiral harmonic diffraction of spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPP), transforming SSPP into high-purity OAM mode. The system achieves frequency-controlled beam-scanning characteristic and operates in a wide bandwidth. The compact, easy-fabricated, and robust OAM antenna opens up new possibilities for wireless communication applications.