3D-printed Compact, Low-cost Vortex Beam Generators for 5G, 6G
Seamless internet streaming in packed places could soon be more possible thanks to a groundbreaking 3D-printed device developed by researchers at Xi’an Jiaotong University in China. This small, efficient, and affordable vortex beam generator is poised to transform wireless communication networks by creating twisting light beams with orbital angular momentum (OAM).
These beams, unlike conventional ones, carry a unique form of rotational energy that can transmit far more data, making them perfect for high-demand networks like 5G and 6G.
The Challenge of Future Communication Needs
As millions of devices connect to wireless networks daily, the demand for high-capacity and interference-resistant systems grows exponentially. “The growing demand for high-capacity, interference-resistant communication systems in applications like 5G/6G wireless networks requires innovative solutions,” said Jianxing Li, the lead researcher on the project.
OAM beams, which enhance data transmission efficiency, have long been a promising answer. Yet, generating them has proven costly, inefficient, and vulnerable to interference. Li’s team set out to change that.
A 3D-Printed Solution with Game-Changing Features
The researchers used advanced 3D printing technology to create an OAM beam generator, a sophisticated antenna system that addresses these challenges head-on. Not only does the device generate high-capacity vortex beams, but it also integrates a gain-filtering feature that amplifies desired signals while blocking out interference.
“Our OAM beam generator is particularly well suited for 5G/6G wireless communication as well as remote sensing and imaging,” said Yuanxi Cao, one of the study’s authors. He envisions this technology being deployed in communication towers at crowded events, ensuring smooth streaming and lightning-fast connectivity for everyone.
How It Works
The device begins by dividing an incoming signal into eight equal parts, filtering out unnecessary frequencies along the way. The signals are then routed through precision pathways that adjust their phase, creating the perfect conditions for a vortex beam. Finally, the signals are transmitted through a circular array of antennas, resulting in a high-capacity, interference-resistant beam.
To minimize energy losses and boost efficiency, the team crafted the device from an air-filled all-metal structure using an aluminum alloy. This design ensures superior radiation efficiency and high power-handling capabilities.
Fabrication and Real-World Potential
The prototype was manufactured using selective laser melting, a 3D-printing technique known for its precision and ability to create intricate designs. This approach eliminated the need for assembly, reducing costs and ensuring the exact alignment of components—critical for high-frequency applications.
In testing, the device achieved impressive results: a mode purity of approximately 80% and an out-of-band suppression exceeding 30 dB, ensuring clean, interference-free signal transmission. The team is now focused on refining the device to improve its performance further and exploring its use in cutting-edge applications like terahertz communication and satellite systems.
A Look to the Future
While commercialization will require additional advancements in 3D-printing scalability and regulatory compliance, the potential for this technology is immense. As Li’s team works on expanding its capabilities, this innovative OAM beam generator could be the key to unlocking the full potential of next-generation communication networks.
For more details, check out the full research paper: 3D-printed OAM beam generator with an enhanced out-of-band gain filtering characteristic in Optics Express. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.542046
