Abstract: |
Over the past two decades, structured light carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) has revolutionized fields such as optical communication, quantum computing, imaging, and sensing. Its helical phase structure enables unique data encoding and light-matter interactions, making it critical for next-generation photonic technologies. While spatial light modulators (SLMs) have been pivotal in generating and controlling OAM, their reliance on bulky setups and limited scalability underscores the need for material-based alternatives.
This review examines advanced materials—such as 2D systems like graphene, azobenzene-based polymers, organic chiral compounds, metal nanoparticles, magnetic materials, and perovskites—as promising solutions for tunable, efficient OAM generation and manipulation at micro- and nanoscale levels. These materials offer unique optical, chiral, and nonlinear properties, paving the way for compact, integrated OAM systems compatible with photonic and optoelectronic platforms. We analyse their mechanisms, performance, and potential to address current challenges, aiming to foster innovations that expand the structured light research and applications ecosystem. |