Three-Dimensional Simultaneous Arbitrary-Way Orbital Angular Momentum Generator Based on Transformation Optics

Abstract

In wireless communications, people utilize the technology of diversity against multipath fading, so as to improve the reliability of communication equipment. One of the long-standing problems in diversity antennas is the limited number of diversity in a certain space. In this paper, we provide a solution to this issue by a three-dimensional (3D) simultaneous arbitrary-way orbital angular momentum (OAM) generator (3D SAWOG) based on transformation optics. The proposed 3D SAWOG consists of a metamaterial block and a group of transformation cylinders, by which arbitrary-way planar wavefronts can be converted to helical wavefronts with various topological charges simultaneously. The 2D four-way OAM generator and the 3D SAWOG are analyzed, designed, and simulated. The simulation results validate the performance of a 3D SAWOG successfully, indicating that the proposed model possess a high mode purity and expansibility. The SAWOG can be used as a novel diversity antenna array due to the orthogonal property among different modes, which could provide more degrees of freedom than traditional dual-polarization antennas, further improving the reliability of the communication systems.