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Average intensity of a partially coherent rectangular flat-topped laser array propagating in a turbulent atmosphere
Pu Zhou1, Yanxing Ma, Xiaolin Wang
1College of Optoelectric Science and Engineering, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China.
Applied Optics
|October 3, 2009
Summary
This study analyzes how partially coherent rectangular flat-topped laser arrays propagate through atmospheric turbulence. It provides an analytical solution to understand beam quality degradation and factors influencing it.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Atmospheric Physics
Background:
- Laser beam propagation is affected by atmospheric turbulence.
- Partially coherent beams and flat-topped profiles have unique characteristics.
- Understanding beam quality degradation is crucial for laser applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the propagation of partially coherent rectangular flat-topped laser arrays in turbulent atmospheres.
- To derive an analytical expression for the average intensity distribution.
- To analyze factors affecting beam quality.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an extended Huygens-Fresnel principle for analysis.
- Developed an analytical expression for average intensity.
- Employed numerical examples to study parameter effects.
Main Results:
- Obtained an analytical expression for average intensity distribution.
- Demonstrated the influence of correlation length, turbulence intensity, laser number, and beam order on beam quality.
- Quantified beam quality changes in the target plane.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a theoretical framework for partially coherent flat-topped laser array propagation in turbulence.
- Identified key parameters that significantly impact beam quality.
- Offers insights for optimizing laser system design in atmospheric conditions.
