As next-generation wireless networks face explosive data demands and radio frequency (RF) spectrum congestion, optical wireless communication (OWC) has emerged as a promising solution due to its vast unlicensed spectrum and immunity to electromagnetic...
As next-generation wireless networks face explosive data demands and radio frequency (RF) spectrum congestion, optical wireless communication (OWC) has emerged as a promising solution due to its vast unlicensed spectrum and immunity to electromagnetic interference. This study investigates the utilization of the physical angular momentum of light—specifically orbital angular momentum (OAM) and spin angular momentum (SAM)—to enhance transmission capacity and realize functional integration in OWC systems.
First, to overcome the limitations of spatial division multiplexing (SDM), this paper proposes a concentric intensity-based demultiplexing scheme for OAM modes. Unlike conventional zero-order conversion techniques which suffer from crosstalk and inefficient phase flattening, the proposed method improves spatial selectivity by aligning the ring-shaped intensity profiles of specific OAM modes with the active area of the detector. Experimental results demonstrate that this approach significantly enhances detection efficiency, achieving error-free data transmission at rates up to 120 Mbps, thereby validating its potential for high-capacity spatial multiplexing.
Second, this study presents a polarization-modulating optical integrated sensing and communication (O-ISAC) system that leverages SAM based various polarization states to perform simultaneous indoor positioning and data transmission. The system utilizes a single light source with a rotating polarizer and a receiver composed of quadrant-type organic photodiodes (OPDs) operating under zero-bias conditions. By analyzing the modulation of the state-of-polarization (SOP), the system achieves centimeter-level positioning accuracy and precise orientation angle detection. Furthermore, a signal recovery algorithm is implemented to mitigate the SOP-induced distortion in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals, successfully restoring communication reliability to meet forward error correction (FEC) thresholds.
In conclusion, by synergizing OAM-based multiplexing with polarization-based ISAC, this research provides a comprehensive framework for realizing high-capacity, energy-efficient, and multifunctional next-generation optical wireless networks.