Modal approach to scattering of electromagnetic waves by a conducting tape helix

Electromagnetic wave scattering by a tape helix of infinite extent is studied by using Floquet wave expansions for the guided modes and scattered fields. The solution reduces to earlier results as a special limiting case for normal incidence on a sheath helix. The current induced on an infinite helix computed by the presented technique bears close resemblance to the current induced on a long but finite helix as computed by Galerkin's method. The spatial frequency spectrum of the induced current is plotted to show the dominance of the spatial harmonics that are phase matched with the guided modes of the helix. Azimuthal patterns of the scattered field are included to illustrate that interference increases as the diameter of the helix is increased.