Generating the orbital angular momentum of radio frequency signals using optical-true-time-delay unit based on optical spectrum processor

A system for generating radio frequency signals with orbital angular momentum (OAM) is proposed and certificated for the first time, which employs an array of multiple optical-true-time-delay elements and circular antennas array (CAAs). A constructive Fourier series theory about CAAs collectively forming an OAM radio beam is demonstrated. An optical spectrum processor offers the four lines high-resolution time delay by adding a series of linear optical phase shifts. The OAM radio beam with topological charge L = 1 is produced and measured successfully. (C) 2014 Optical Society of America