Free-space optical communication link using perfect vortex beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM)

We experimentally demonstrate a free-space optical communication link using perfect vortex beams. Perfect vortex beams with different topological charges are generated using a phase-modulation-type spatial light modulator (SLM) loaded with novel phase holograms based on the Bessel function. With the help of a microscope objective and simple lens, perfect vortex beams are transmitted effectively for a certain distance. After completing the demodulation of perfect vortex beams carrying OFDM 16-QAM signals and a series of offline processing on the Gaussian bright spot demodulated from the perfect vortex beams, we also achieve a communication link. The constellations and mean bit error rates (BER) of subcarriers are shown.