Optical waves propagating through air or multi-mode fiber can be patterned or decomposed using orthogonal spatial modes, with far-ranging applications in imaging, communication, and directed energy. Yet the systems that perform these wavefront manipulations are cumbersome and large, restricting their utilization to high-end applications.

The development of a free-standing microscale photonic lantern spatial mode (de-)multiplexer using 3D nanoprinting, as revealed by a recent study, marks a significant advancement in photonic technology. This spatial multiplexer, characterized by its compactness, minimal footprint, and ability to directly print on and adhere to photonic circuits, optical fibers, and optoelectronic elements such as lasers and photodetectors, opens new opportunities in system integration and adoption of the technology in future high-capacity communication systems and demanding imaging modalities.

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