Work

Reconfigurable spatial-mode generation and multiplexing on a scalable photonic chip

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Spatial modes have found widespread applications in spatial division multiplexing (SDM), sensing, quantum information processing, and on-chip machine learning. The capability to manipulate multiple mode bases will greatly enhance versatility and accelerate the adoption of SDM by remaining agnostic to the specific mode types traversing optical networks. Programmable photonic integrated circuits offer compact and flexible control over spatial modes. In this work, we design and demonstrate a reconfigurable spatial mode generator utilizing a programmable silicon photonic chip. Our architecture leverages orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes as the basis to generate linear polarized (LP) modes and cylindrical vector (CV) modes, providing a scalable solution for spatial mode manipulation across amplitude, phase, and polarization domains. Using a proof-of-concept device, we experimentally generate ten distinct OAM modes and eight LP modes. Furthermore, we numerically analyze experimental errors and propose methods to enhance modal purity and enable effective vector mode generation.

Source: npj Nanophotonics

DOI: 10.1038/s44310-026-00115-7

Authors: Xingguo Xiao, Yuxuan Chen, Bishal Bhandari, Simon Levasseur, Leslie A. Rusch, Wei Shi

Institution: Université Laval

Language: English

Topic: Orbital Angular Momentum in Optics

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,090

Funders: China Scholarship Council, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada