  We propose a scheme for generation of arbitrary coherent superposition of
vortex states in Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) using the orbital angular
momentum (OAM) states of light. We devise a scheme to generate coherent
superpositions of two counter-rotating OAM states of light using known
experimental techniques. We show that a specially designed Raman scheme allows
transfer of the optical vortex superposition state onto an initially
non-rotating BEC. This creates an arbitrary and coherent superposition of a
vortex and anti-vortex pair in the BEC. The ideas presented here could be
extended to generate entangled vortex states, design memories for the OAM
states of light, and perform other quantum information tasks. Applications to
inertial sensing are also discussed.
