We will show the capabilities of optical modes known as optical vortices in order to perform mode-division multiplexing (MDM) propagation with a different approach. In particular, we will propose optical vortices not only as an alternative way to increase the fiber capacity, but also as a cost-effective and “green” solution able to reduce power dissipation in high capacity systems with respect to solutions based on coherent detection and computationally complex digital MIMO processing, employed in MDM with usual LP modes. Two different proposals based on the all-optical spatial mode demultiplexing and on a non-linear MIMO receiver can allow to employ direct detection and to exploit optical vortices in very simple systems useful for short and medium distances links, where the cost reduction and energy sustainability are mandatory.

Date Published: 5 February 2013
PDF: 8 pages
Proc. SPIE 8647, Next-Generation Optical Communication: Components, Sub-Systems, and Systems II, 864705 (5 February 2013); doi: 10.1117/12.2003588

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 8647:
Next-Generation Optical Communication: Components, Sub-Systems, and Systems II
Guifang Li, Editor(s)