Utilization of photon orbital angular momentum in the low-frequency radio domain

Phys Rev Lett. 2007 Aug 24;99(8):087701. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.99.087701. Epub 2007 Aug 22.

Abstract

We show numerically that vector antenna arrays can generate radio beams that exhibit spin and orbital angular momentum characteristics similar to those of helical Laguerre-Gauss laser beams in paraxial optics. For low frequencies (< or = 1 GHz), digital techniques can be used to coherently measure the instantaneous, local field vectors and to manipulate them in software. This enables new types of experiments that go beyond what is possible in optics. It allows information-rich radio astronomy and paves the way for novel wireless communication concepts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Light
  • Motion
  • Optics and Photonics*
  • Photons*