Experimental analysis of orbital angular momentum-carrying beams in turbulence

Jaime A. Anguita*, Joaquín Herreros

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

In a laboratory experiment we generate, propagate, and detect laser vortex beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) by means of spatial light modulators (SLMs). We show that beams with OAM states from - 20 to +20 can be effectively generated using different types of phase gratings, and that excellent contrast between adjacent OAM modes is achieved. A weak turbulent air flow is induced on the propagation path to emulate the effects of atmospheric turbulence. By characterizing the effects of optical turbulence on the modal crosstalk among received OAM states we show that it is possible to distinguish them for the purpose of increasing the data throughput of a laser communication link in weak turbulence. It is also demonstrated that by increasing the complexity of the receiver, optical separation of the OAM modes is possible at stronger turbulence conditions.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationFree-Space and Atmospheric Laser Communications XI
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
EventFree-Space and Atmospheric Laser Communications XI - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: 24 Aug 201125 Aug 2011

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume8162
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferenceFree-Space and Atmospheric Laser Communications XI
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period24/08/1125/08/11

Keywords

  • Channel interference
  • Channel multiplexing
  • Free-space laser communication
  • Optical vortices
  • Orbital angular momentum

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