High-dimensional quantum key distribution (HD-QKD) enhances information efficiency and noise tolerance by encoding data in large Hilbert spaces. The orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light provides a scalable basis for such encoding and supports high-dimensional photonic communication. Practical OAM-based implementations remain constrained by challenges in state generation, transmission, and detection. This survey offers a consolidated overview of OAM-encoded HD-QKD, outlining fundamental principles, representative experiments, and system-level limitations. Recent progress in hybrid encodings, mode sorting, adaptive optics, and TF, CV, MDI, and DI frameworks is summarized with emphasis on practical feasibility.
@article{arxiv.2512.11286,
title = {A Survey of OAM-Encoded High-Dimensional Quantum Key Distribution: Foundations, Experiments, and Recent Trends},
author = {Huan Zhang and Zhenyu Cao and Yu Sun and Hu Jin},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2512.11286},
year = {2026}
}