Lidars utilizing vortex laser beams

We are investigating the potential of the “vortex” laser beam to provide additional information of natural scenes from aircraft and space-based lidars. This type of beam has a spatial wavefront with a helical twist that creates an optical singularity on axis, and carries orbital angular momentum. We will report on preliminary results for differences in Rayleigh-Mie scattering, and scattering from rough surfaces, and plans for future studies.