Localization from the unique intensity gradient of an orbital-angular-momentum beam

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Information Optics
• Quantum Optics

Background:

• Orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams possess unique intensity gradients.
• Accurate object tracking and localization are crucial in various applications.
• Existing methods using Gaussian beams have limitations in signal strength and coverage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and simulate a novel object tracking and localization system utilizing the intensity gradient of OAM beams.
• To design a detector for efficient measurement of OAM beam intensity gradients.
• To evaluate the performance of the OAM-based system compared to Gaussian beams.

Main Methods:

• Simulation of OAM beam propagation and interaction with a target object.
• Design of a three-pixel detector to measure beam intensity gradients.
• Calculation of target object offset direction and distance based on intensity gradient data.

Main Results:

• OAM-based localization systems exhibit stronger control signals than Gaussian beam systems.
• OAM+2 beams provide a significantly stronger localization signal (∼5×) but with a smaller capture area compared to OAM+1 beams.
• The system demonstrates improved coverage area (∼2×) with increasing distance (200–1000 m), despite lower accuracy.

Conclusions:

• The proposed OAM beam-based system offers a promising approach for object tracking and localization.
• The intensity gradient of OAM beams can be effectively leveraged for precise positional determination.
• The trade-offs between signal strength, capture area, accuracy, and coverage can be managed by selecting appropriate OAM modes.