Jian Wang

Bio: Jian Wang is an academic researcher from Huazhong University of Science and Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Angular momentum & Orbital angular momentum of light. The author has an hindex of 27, co-authored 252 publications receiving 3829 citations. Previous affiliations of Jian Wang include University of Huddersfield.

Optical communications using orbital angular momentum beams

Abstract: Orbital angular momentum (OAM), which describes the “phase twist” (helical phase pattern) of light beams, has recently gained interest due to its potential applications in many diverse areas. Particularly promising is the use of OAM for optical communications since: (i) coaxially propagating OAM beams with different azimuthal OAM states are mutually orthogonal, (ii) inter-beam crosstalk can be minimized, and (iii) the beams can be efficiently multiplexed and demultiplexed. As a result, multiple OAM states could be used as different carriers for multiplexing and transmitting multiple data streams, thereby potentially increasing the system capacity. In this paper, we review recent progress in OAM beam generation/detection, multiplexing/demultiplexing, and its potential applications in different scenarios including free-space optical communications, fiber-optic communications, and RF communications. Technical challenges and perspectives of OAM beams are also discussed.

Controllable all-fiber orbital angular momentum mode converter.

Abstract: We present a scheme to realize a controllable, scalable, low-cost, and versatile all-fiber orbital angular momentum (OAM) converter. The converter consists of a two-mode fiber (TMF) with its input terminal welded with a single-mode fiber, a mechanical long-period grating (LPG), a mechanical rotator, metal flat slabs, and a fiber polarization controller. The LPG is employed to convert the fundamental fiber mode to higher-order modes and the flat slabs are used to stress the TMF to adjust the relative phase difference between two orthogonal higher-order modes. Selective conversion from the LP(01) mode to the LP(11a), LP(11b), OAM(-1), or OAM(+1) mode is demonstrated in the experiment.

Metamaterials-based broadband generation of orbital angular momentum carrying vector beams

Abstract: We propose a simple approach to broadband generation of orbital angular momentum (OAM) carrying vector beams based on compact metamaterials. It consists of two concentric rings in a gold film, where each ring is composed of subwavelength rectangular apertures with gradually varied orientation. The subwavelength rectangular aperture serves as a localized spatial polarizer. We show the generation of different OAM-carrying vector beams with OAM charge number and polarization order varying from -3 to +3 using a 11.2×11.2 μm device. The extinction ratio can exceed 20 dB, and the operation bandwidth (1500 nm) can cover from 1000 to 2500 nm (from near-infrared to mid-infrared). The device provides three degrees of freedom (polarization order l, polarization of input beam σ, and initial orientation angle α(0)) to flexibly generate different OAM-carrying vector beams. We can use a single device to generate two OAM-carrying vector beams with opposite charge sign of OAM by simply controlling the polarization of the input beam. We further study the performance dependence of the designed metamaterials on the offset of the initial orientation angle, length, and width of the rectangular apertures. The obtained results indicate favorable fabrication tolerance.

Arbitrary manipulation of spatial amplitude and phase using phase-only spatial light modulators

Abstract: Spatial structure of a light beam is an important degree of freedom to be extensively explored. By designing simple configurations with phase-only spatial light modulators (SLMs), we show the ability to arbitrarily manipulate the spatial full field information (i.e. amplitude and phase) of a light beam. Using this approach to facilitating arbitrary and independent control of spatial amplitude and phase, one can flexibly generate different special kinds of light beams for different specific applications. Multiple collinear orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams, Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) beams, and Bessel beams, having both spatial amplitude and phase distributions, are successfully generated in the experiments. Some arbitrary beams with odd-shaped intensity are also generated in the experiments.

Fourier-transform method of fringe-pattern analysis for computer-based topography and interferometry

Abstract: A fast-Fourier-transform method of topography and interferometry is proposed. By computer processing of a noncontour type of fringe pattern, automatic discrimination is achieved between elevation and depression of the object or wave-front form, which has not been possible by the fringe-contour-generation techniques. The method has advantages over moire topography and conventional fringe-contour interferometry in both accuracy and sensitivity. Unlike fringe-scanning techniques, the method is easy to apply because it uses no moving components.

Terabit free-space data transmission employing orbital angular momentum multiplexing

Abstract: Researchers demonstrate the ability to multiplex and transfer data between twisted beams of light with different amounts of orbital angular momentum — a development that provides new opportunities for increasing the data capacity of free-space optical communications links.

Optical communications using orbital angular momentum beams

Abstract: Orbital angular momentum (OAM), which describes the “phase twist” (helical phase pattern) of light beams, has recently gained interest due to its potential applications in many diverse areas. Particularly promising is the use of OAM for optical communications since: (i) coaxially propagating OAM beams with different azimuthal OAM states are mutually orthogonal, (ii) inter-beam crosstalk can be minimized, and (iii) the beams can be efficiently multiplexed and demultiplexed. As a result, multiple OAM states could be used as different carriers for multiplexing and transmitting multiple data streams, thereby potentially increasing the system capacity. In this paper, we review recent progress in OAM beam generation/detection, multiplexing/demultiplexing, and its potential applications in different scenarios including free-space optical communications, fiber-optic communications, and RF communications. Technical challenges and perspectives of OAM beams are also discussed.

Optical vortices 30 years on: OAM manipulation from topological charge to multiple singularities

Abstract: Thirty years ago, Coullet et al. proposed that a special optical field exists in laser cavities bearing some analogy with the superfluid vortex. Since then, optical vortices have been widely studied, inspired by the hydrodynamics sharing similar mathematics. Akin to a fluid vortex with a central flow singularity, an optical vortex beam has a phase singularity with a certain topological charge, giving rise to a hollow intensity distribution. Such a beam with helical phase fronts and orbital angular momentum reveals a subtle connection between macroscopic physical optics and microscopic quantum optics. These amazing properties provide a new understanding of a wide range of optical and physical phenomena, including twisting photons, spin-orbital interactions, Bose-Einstein condensates, etc., while the associated technologies for manipulating optical vortices have become increasingly tunable and flexible. Hitherto, owing to these salient properties and optical manipulation technologies, tunable vortex beams have engendered tremendous advanced applications such as optical tweezers, high-order quantum entanglement, and nonlinear optics. This article reviews the recent progress in tunable vortex technologies along with their advanced applications.