Potentials and challenges of using orbital angular momentum communications in optical interconnects

Area of Science:

• Optical Communications
• Photonics
• Information Technology

Background:

• Ultra-short- and short-reach optical interconnects are critical for high-growth applications in optical communications.
• Key requirements include high capacity density, spectral efficiency, low cost, low power consumption, and fast configurability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the potential of orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexing for optical interconnect applications.
• To identify the challenges associated with implementing OAM multiplexing in these scenarios.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent advancements in OAM multiplexed optical transmission.
• Analysis of current optical device technologies relevant to OAM.
• Discussion of OAM multiplexing in the context of optical interconnect requirements.

Main Results:

• OAM multiplexing demonstrates potential for meeting high capacity and spectral efficiency demands.
• Progress in OAM transmission and device technology supports its application in interconnects.
• Specific challenges related to OAM implementation in short-reach scenarios are identified.

Conclusions:

• Orbital angular momentum multiplexing is a viable candidate technology for next-generation optical interconnects.
• Addressing identified challenges is crucial for the successful deployment of OAM in these applications.
• OAM multiplexing offers a pathway to enhanced performance in high-growth optical communication markets.