Open AccessHigh-volume optical vortex multiplexing and de-multiplexing for free-space optical communication
Author(s) -
Zhongxi Wang,
Allan N. Zhang,
Xiaocong Yuan
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.19.000482
Subject(s) - multiplexing , optics , free space optical communication , optical communication , vortex , wavelength division multiplexing , physics , volume (thermodynamics) , computer science , telecommunications , wavelength , quantum mechanics , thermodynamics
We report an approach to the increase of signal channels in free-space optical communication based on composed optical vortices (OVs). In the encoding process, conventional algorithm employed for the generation of collinearly superimposed OVs is combined with a genetic algorithm to achieve high-volume OV multiplexing. At the receiver end, a novel Dammann vortex grating is used to analyze the multihelix beams with a large number of OVs. We experimentally demonstrate a digitized system which is capable of transmitting and receiving 16 OV channels simultaneously. This system is expected to be compatible with a high-speed OV multiplexing technique, with potentials to extremely high-volume information density in OV communication.