The ability to overcome the negative effects, induced by obstacles and turbulent atmosphere, is a core challenge of long-distance information transmission, and it is of great significance in free-space optical communication. The spatial-coherence structure, that characterizes partially coherent fields, provides a new degree of freedom for carrying information. However, due to the influence of the complex transmission environment, the spatial-coherence structure is severely damaged during the propagation path, which undoubtedly limits its ability to transmit information. Here, we realize the robust far-field orbital angular momentum (OAM) transmission and detection by modulating the spatial-coherence structure of a partially coherent vortex beam with the help of the cross-phase. The cross-phase enables the OAM information, quantified by the topological charge, hidden in the spatial-coherence structure can be stably transmitted to the far field and can resist the influence of obstructions and turbulence within the communication link. This is due to the self-reconstruction property of the spatial-coherence structure embedded with the cross-phase. We demonstrate experimentally that the topological charge information can be recognized well by measuring the spatial-coherence structure in the far field, exhibiting a set of distinct and separated dark rings even under amplitude and phase perturbations. Our findings open a door for robust optical signal transmission through the complex environment and may find application in optical communication through a turbulent atmosphere.

Orbital-angular-momentum (OAM) multiplexing technology offers a significant dimension to enlarge communication capacity in free-space optical links. The coherent beam combining (CBC) system can simultaneously realize OAM multiplexing and achieve high-power laser output, providing substantial advantages for long-distance communication. Herein, we present an integrated CBC system for free-space optical links based on OAM multiplexing and demultiplexing technologies for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. A method to achieve flexible OAM multiplexing and efficient demultiplexing based on the CBC system is proposed and demonstrated both theoretically and experimentally. The experimental results exhibit a low bit error rate of 0.47% and a high recognition precision of 98.58% throughout the entire data transmission process. By employing such an ingenious strategy, this work holds promising prospects for enriching ultra-long-distance structured light communication in the future.

Optical vortex arrays, with their unique wavefront structures, find extensive applications in fields such as optical communications, trapping, imaging, metrology, and quantum. The methods used to generate these vortex beam arrays are crucial for their applications. In this review, we begin with introducing the fundamental concepts of optical vortex beams. Subsequently, we present three methods for generating them, including diffractive optical elements, metasurfaces, and integrated optical devices. We then explore the applications of optical vortex beam arrays in five different domains. Finally, we conclude with a summary and outlook for the research on optical vortex beam arrays.