Frequency selection mechanism of sub-terahertz wave propagation within the sharp-coned plasma sheath

Abstract

The propagation characteristics of sub-terahertz (sub-THz) waves through the sharp-coned plasma sheath are investigated, revealing a frequency selection phenomenon. Two significant electron density gradients within the sharp-coned plasma sheath, which result in high reflection coefficients, are identified. These strong reflective interfaces divide the plasma into distinct regions, and the frequency selection mechanism is analyzed using the improved scattering matrix method. This research finds that the combination of these reflective interfaces and the intervening plasma forms a “resonator structure,” leading to the observed frequency selection. A quantitative relationship between plasma parameters and the frequency selection phenomenon is analyzed. The results indicate that the reflection coefficients of the reflective interfaces increase, making the frequency selection more pronounced, when the thickness of the interfaces decreases or the peak electron density increases. In addition, a lower collision frequency leads to reduced absorption effects and a more pronounced frequency selection. The phenomenon suggests that enhancing transmissivity at lower frequencies may be feasible, providing a theoretical insight into the application of sub-THz waves in mitigating communication blackouts.