Integrated photonic orbital angular momentum devices and systems: Potentials and challenges

Emerging applications based on optical beams carrying orbital angular momentum will likely require photonic integrated devices and circuits for miniaturization, improved performance and enhanced functionality. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art in the field of orbital angular momentum of light, reports recent developments in silicon integrated orbital angular momentum emitters, and discusses the applications potentials and challenges in applying orbital angular momentum of light in optical communications, quantum information systems, and optical sensing, imaging, and manipulation systems.