Gauge-flux-controlled orbital angular momentum mode conversion in silicon waveguides

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Integrated Optics
• Waveguide Technology

Background:

• Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) modes offer unique properties for optical communications.
• Efficient on-chip generation and manipulation of OAM modes remain a challenge.
• Existing methods often require complex structures or are limited in efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a new method for converting fundamental modes into OAM modes using chiral dynamics.
• To demonstrate efficient OAM mode generation and control in silicon waveguides.
• To develop an on-chip OAM mode (de)multiplexer.

Main Methods:

• Integrating a trench into a few-mode silicon waveguide to induce chiral dynamics.
• Utilizing generated gauge fluxes for controlled rotation of TE modes (TE10 and TE01).
• Precisely controlling gauge flux to optimize OAM mode conversion efficiency.

Main Results:

• Successful conversion of fundamental modes to OAM modes with high efficiency.
• Demonstration of flux-controlled chiral dynamics for optimized OAM mode generation.
• Development of an on-chip OAM mode (de)multiplexer based on the proposed method.
• Overcoming challenges related to mode degeneracy through controlled gauge flux.

Conclusions:

• The proposed method offers a novel strategy for creating artificial gauge fluxes in straight waveguides.
• This approach enables efficient manipulation of OAM modes on photonic chips.
• The findings open new possibilities for advanced optical communication systems and integrated photonic devices.