Propagation dynamics of orbital angular momentum beams under the hazy scattering environment

Abstract

The disturbance of the scattering medium, such as hazy, can affect the propagation of vortex beams and induce cross−talk within the orbital angular momentum (OAM) spectrum in optical communications based on vortex beams. This paper first validates the integrated scattering phase screen model through experimental beam phase measurements using a simple interferometer. Then, the influence of macroscopic physical parameters of the scattering medium on the OAM spectrum is investigated based on the hazy scattering phase model. It is demonstrated that the larger particle radius, concentration, and thickness will result in a greater cross−talk of the OAM spectrum. Moreover, the behavior of multiplexed vortex beams influenced by the hazy environment is also studied. The results may be a powerful tool to estimate the effect of the scattering medium on beam quality in optical communication based on vortex beams.