The simulated annealing algorithm was applied for optimizing binary phase masks used in the conversion of optical modes through spatial light modulation in free space. The method changes the phase distribution to be displayed on a spatial light modulator, in such a way maximizes the correlation between de converted mode and the theoretical mode. The method allowed the optimal conversion of the linearly polarized modes through a diffractive process. The analysis of the correlations between obtained and theoretical modes showed the effectiveness of the method and its capability to generate optical modes similar to those in an optical fiber. The optimized phase masks could be applied in a dynamic and arbitrary mode converter.
Linearly polarized modes were generated from the fundamental LP01 using Lee holograms displayed on a digital micromirror device. The phase in the holograms was optimized using simulated annealing algorithm and complex amplitude correlation to improve the quality of the converted modes. The correlation measurements, and comparisons between numerical and experimental results, show the fidelity of the obtained modes and the effectiveness of the optimization. Furthermore, the optimized holograms can be combined to generate multiple modes spatially addressed with individual control. The results, and the use of a digital micromirror device instead of the most common liquid crystal modulators, make this method suitable for Modal Division Multiplexing systems and compatible with other optical telecommunication techniques like Wavelength and Polarization Division multiplexing, and reconfigurable optical networks.
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