Turbulence-resistant self-focusing vortex beams

We consider recently introduced self-focusing fields that carry orbital angular momentum (OAM) [2021 Opt. Lett. 46 2384-87] and in particular, their propagation properties through a turbulent ocean. We show that this type of field is especially robust against turbulence induced degradation, when compared to a completely coherent beam. In moderately strong oceanic turbulence, the self-focusing OAM beam features over five orders of magnitude higher peak intensities at the receiver plane, an ∼80% detection probability for the signal mode, as well as an energy transmission efficiency in excess of 70% over a link of ∼100 m. Counter-intuitively, the focusing properties of such fields may be enhanced with increasing turbulence, causing the mean squared waist to become smaller with greater turbulence strength. Our results demonstrate that certain types of partial coherence may be highly desirable for optical telecommunication employing OAM.