A system for identifying a target object includes a database containing a plurality of unique combinations of a plurality of orbital angular momentum modes. Each of the unique combinations of the plurality of orbital angular momentum modes is associated with a particular type of target object. A signal generator generates a signal having one of a plurality of orbital angular momentum modes applied thereto and directs the signal toward the target object. A transceiver transmits the signal toward the target object and receives a second signal having a unique combination of a plurality of orbital angular momentum modes reflected from the target object. A detection system compares the second signal having the unique combination of the plurality of orbital angular momentum modes with the plurality of unique combinations of the plurality of unique orbital angular unique combination of a plurality of orbital angular momentum modes within the database, identifies the target object responsive to the comparison of the second signal having the unique combination of the plurality of orbital angular momentum modes with the plurality of unique combinations of the plurality of unique orbital angular unique combination of a plurality of orbital angular momentum modes within the database and provides an output identifying the target object.