A Novel PON Architecture Based on OAM Multiplexing for Efficient Bandwidth Utilization

In this paper, we propose and experimentally demonstrated a novel passive optical network access architecture based on orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexing. Multiple data channels are multiplexed by orthogonal OAM modes on the same wavelength to achieve efficient utilization of bandwidth resources. Twenty OAM modes, with each mode carrying 10-Gb/s on-off keying signal, are transmitted over 0.4-m free-space optics link. The bit error ratio (BER) performances of all data channels can be under a 3.8 × 10^-3 enhanced forward error correction limit. The experimental results show the potentiality of the proposed architecture for providing user access with flexibility and bandwidth efficiency in future ultrahigh-capacity passive optical networks.