Study of OAM for Communication and Radar

Radio-frequency sensing and communication systems which use a waveform for more than one function offer the promise of improved spectral efficiency and streamlined hardware requirements. Control of orbital angular momentum (OAM) may be used to increase data-rates and improve radar sensitivity to certain chiral targets. This paper presents finite-difference time-domain simulations which model a gigahertz-frequency OAM radar capable of transmitting information via OAM-mode modulation. The unique chirality-detection capability of OAM radar is demonstrated, as well as simple information transmission. Simulation scope and radar specifications are designed with an eye toward developing a dual function ground penetrating radar (GPR) with OAM mode control.