US Patent 10581522 Free-space, twisted light optical communication system

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, determining a twist number based on digital input data, wherein the twist number corresponds to a predetermined orbital angular momentum of a photon. An adjustment value is generated based on the twist number, and multiple orbital angular momentum modulators are adjusted, wherein the modulators are adapted to change orbital angular momenta of photons of an input optical beam according to the adjustment value. Application of a light beam to the multiple orbital angular momentum modulators applies orbital angular momenta to the input optical beam resulting in a modulated optical beam having a predetermined number of twists based on the predetermined orbital angular momentum. Other embodiments are disclosed.