  The segmented coronagraph design and analysis (SCDA) study is a coordinated
effort, led by Stuart Shaklan (JPL) and supported by NASA's Exoplanet
Exploration Program (ExEP), to provide efficient coronagraph design concepts
for exoplanet imaging with future segmented aperture space telescopes. This
document serves as an update on the apodized vortex coronagraph designs devised
by the Caltech/JPL SCDA team. Apodized vortex coronagraphs come in two flavors,
where the apodization is achieved either by use of 1) a gray-scale
semi-transparent pupil mask or 2) a pair of deformable mirrors in series. Each
approach has attractive benefits. This document presents a comprehensive review
of the former type. Future theoretical investigations will further explore the
use of deformable mirrors for apodization.
