Distorted wavefront detection of orbital angular momentum beams based on a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Optical Communication Systems
• Wavefront Sensing

Background:

• Vortex beams with Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) offer potential for enhanced communication capacity and spectral efficiency.
• Accurate detection of wavefront distortions is crucial for utilizing vortex beams effectively in optical communication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a method for detecting distorted wavefronts of vortex beams using a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor (HWS).
• To establish a precise and high-frame-rate detection technique for vortex beam distortions.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the detection slope of the helical phase sub-spot pattern as a calibrated zero point.
• Employing the Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor (HWS) to detect the distortion phase of the vortex beam.
• Validating the method through simulations and experimental results.

Main Results:

• The proposed method accurately detects the distortion phase of vortex beams.
• High precision and high frame rate detection capabilities were demonstrated.
• The technique provides a reliable means for analyzing wavefront aberrations in OAM vortex beams.

Conclusions:

• The developed Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor method offers precise and rapid detection of vortex beam distortions.
• This advancement is expected to accelerate the integration and application of vortex beams in optical communication systems.
• The findings contribute to improving the performance and reliability of OAM-based communication technologies.