title: Comparing the information capacity of Laguerre-Gaussian and Hermite-Gaussian modal sets in a finite-aperture system.
abstract: Using a spontaneous parametric down-conversion process to create entangled spatial states, we compare the information capacity associated with measurements in the Hermite-Gaussian and Laguerre-Gaussian modal basis in an optical system of finite aperture. We show that the cross-talk imposed by the aperture restriction degrades the information capacity. However, the Laguerre-Gaussian mode measurements show greater resilience to cross talk than the Hermite-Gaussian, suggesting that the Laguerre-Gaussian modal set may still offer real-world advantages over other modal sets.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Restuccia
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Giovannini
authors.forename: Graham
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gibson
authors.forename: Miles
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Padgett