Optical vortices and specifically light with orbital angular momentum are a novel type of optical mode. The ability to manipulate and successfully propagate optical vortices in optical fibers would allow for light sensitive optical tweezers and orbital angular momentum state multiplexing for optical communications. The creation and characterization of optical vortices was done using holographic interference. An analysis of the propagation of optical vortices in free space and in a fiber showed that a typical multimode fiber is not able to preserve an optical vortex state. Improved optical fibers will allow for the vortex states to propagate for significant distances. Improvements to the creation process of the holograms will increase the quality of the vortices.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Ruvich, Caleb Aaron

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042513-153448

Advisor

• Quimby, Richard S.

Year

• 2013

Date created

• 2013-04-25

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Physics

Rights statement

• In Copyright