Miniaturized optical vortex mode demultiplexer: Principle, fabrication and applications

Vortex beams have attracted extensive attention in recent decade due to the carried optical orbital angular momentum (OAM). Vortex beams carrying different OAM modes are orthogonal to each other, and thus have become highly promising in realizing high-capacity optical communication systems. This review is to introduce the fundamental principles of optical OAM mode demultiplexing, recent advances in the fabrication techniques and emerging applications in high-capacity optical communications. First, this review introduces the development history of the working principle of OAM mode demultiplexer. Subsequently, a variety of preparation techniques and emerging applications of OAM mode demultiplexing are discussed in detail. Finally, we provide an in-depth analysis and outlook for the future trends and prospects of the OAM mode demultiplexer.