Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-16-2013
Abstract
We report a technique for encoding both amplitude and phase variations onto a laser beam using a single digital micro-mirror device (DMD). Using this technique, we generate Laguerre-Gaussian and vortex orbital-angular-momentum (OAM) modes, along with modes in a set that is mutually unbiased with respect to the OAM basis. Additionally, we have demonstrated rapid switching among the generated modes at a speed of 4 kHz, which is much faster than the speed regularly achieved by phase-only spatial light modulators (SLMs). The dynamic control of both phase and amplitude of a laser beam is an enabling technology for classical communication and quantum key distribution (QKD) systems that employ spatial mode encoding. © 2013 Optical Society of America.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Optics Express
First Page
30204
Last Page
30211
Recommended Citation
Mirhosseini, M., Magaña-Loaiza, O., Chen, C., Rodenburg, B., Malik, M., & Boyd, R. (2013). Rapid generation of light beams carrying orbital angular momentum. Optics Express, 21 (25), 30204-30211. https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.21.030196