Power coupled between partially coherent vector fields in different states of coherence

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Astronomy Instrumentation
• Electromagnetism

Background:

• Designing submillimeter-wave optical systems for astronomy requires accurate calculation of power coupling between optical fields.
• Partially coherent vector fields with varying coherence states present challenges in traditional optical design.
• Understanding coherence properties is vital for efficient signal transmission and detection in sensitive instruments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a straightforward procedure for calculating power coupled between collimated, partially coherent vector fields.
• To provide a method applicable to fields in different states of coherence.
• To facilitate the integration of power coupling calculations into optical design software.

Main Methods:

• Introduced a method using coherence matrices of incoming (S) and outgoing (D) fields, denoted as A and B, respectively.
• Defined the power coupled (Ps) by the formula Ps = Tr(ATBT), where T represents the projection of basis functions.
• Extended the technique to calculate power coupling from background fields.

Main Results:

• A simplified formula, Ps = Tr(ATBT), was derived for calculating power coupled between partially coherent vector fields.
• The method was successfully illustrated by calculating power coupling between two scalar, Gaussian Schell-model beams.
• The procedure is general and can be applied to fields with different coherence properties.

Conclusions:

• The developed procedure offers an efficient and accurate way to calculate power coupling in optical systems.
• This method is particularly relevant for the design of submillimeter-wave astronomical instruments.
• The technique's compatibility with optical design software promotes its practical application in the field.