Enhancing multi-plane light conversion orbital angular momentum multiplexer performance via error analysis

We present what we believe to be a novel orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexing apparatus capable of handling topological charges ranging from l = 0 to ±3 through multi-plane light conversion (MPLC) across four phase planes. Nevertheless, the fabricating process of MPLC devices is prone to errors that cannot be avoided. Our investigation primarily delves into the repercussions of misalignment and etching inaccuracies on the device's phase, with the assistance of a spatial light modulator. The scrutiny of fabrication errors associated with the device offers valuable insights for refining the fabricating of MPLC devices. The OAM multiplexing device converts the phase of MPLC onto a glass substrate through four etching steps, corresponding to a depth of 0-775 nm. OAM multiplexing/demultiplexing crosstalk based on MPLC is less than -20 dB and -18 dB, respectively. The insertion loss of the OAM mode generated by the OAM multiplexing device coupled to the few-mode fiber is less than 7 dB. In a communication experiment, we demonstrated multiplexed three OAM channels carrying 10 Gbit/s OOK signals over a 5 km few-mode fiber using two MPLC devices. Both the bit error rate curve and constellation diagram demonstrate the excellent performance of MPLC-based OAM multiplexing devices in communication networks.