Schematic diagrams of orbital angular momentum lattice (OAML) multiplexed holography. Image courtesy of Tian Xia, Shenzhen University.

n the realm of optical holography, the conventional limitations of polarization, wavelength, and incident angle are giving way to a new era of possibilities. A breakthrough technique known as optical orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexing has emerged, offering a plethora of unique mode channels for data storage, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and optical tweezers. Yet, there's a hunger for more storage capacity, which propels ongoing research.  

Professor Xiaocong Yuan and his team at Shenzhen University have developed a cutting-edge approach:  orbital angular momentum lattice (OAML) multiplexed holography. Introducing a vortex lattice (VL) beam with two added parameters contributing azimuthally and radially, they unlock supplementary encrypted dimensions, enhancing storage capacity. Published in Advanced Photonics Nexus, this research sparks a paradigm shift in holographic systems.

Compared with conventional OAM holography, OAML holography uses the VL beam configuration to supply independent information carriers, adding two supplementary encrypted dimensions. By manipulating the rotation angle of the vortex lattice and the lattice's dimensions, this innovative approach significantly boosts storage capacity, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods. 

This research breakthrough not only enhances information storage capacity but also introduces novel approaches for implementing high-capacity holographic systems. The significance of this advancement holds crucial value and significance particularly in fields such as information encryption and storage, promising a future where holography transcends its current limitations.

For details, read the original Gold Open Access article by Xia, Xie, and Yuan, “Multidimensional multiplexing holography based on optical orbital angular momentum lattice multiplexing,” Adv. Photon. Nexus 3(1), 016005 (2024), doi 10.1117/1.APN.3.1.016005