Using Hermite-Gaussian Modes for Free-Space Optical Communication

There is interest in using spatial modes of light to increase the data speed of free-space optical communication where, each spatial mode can be used as a state or channel with which to encode or carry data, respectively. Here, the use of Hermite-Gaussian modes for free-space optical communication is investigated. It is shown that due their symmetry with respect to lateral displacement, as compared to other spatial modes, such as, orbital angular momentum modes, a subset of Hermite-Gaussian modes can experience less mode-crosstalk and -dependent loss when laterally displaced at the data receiver