Propagation factor of a stochastic electromagnetic Gaussian Schell-model beam
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Determination of the Excitation and Coupling Rates Between Light Emitters and Surface Plasmon Polaritons
Published on: July 21, 2018
Shijun Zhu1, Yangjian Cai, Olga Korotkova
1School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.
Abstract:
Analytical formula is derived for the propagation factor (known asM(2)-factor) of a stochastic electromagnetic Gaussian Schell-model (EGSM) beam in free space and in turbulent atmosphere. In free space, the M(2)-factor of an EGSM beam is mainly determined by its initial degree of polarization, r.m.s. widths of the spectral densities and correlation coefficients, and its value remains invariant on propagation. In turbulent atmosphere, the M(2)-factor of an EGSM beam is also determined by the parameters of the turbulent atmosphere, and its value increases on propagation. The relative M(2)-factor of an EGSM beam with lower correlation factors, larger r.m.s. widths of the spectral densities and longer wavelength is less affected by the atmospheric turbulence. Under suitable conditions, an EGSM beam is less affected by the atmospheric turbulence than a scalar GSM beam (i.e. fully polarized GSM beam). Our results will be useful in long-distance free-space optical communications.
Related Concept Videos
Propagation Speed of Electromagnetic Waves
Propagation of Waves
Consider a scenario where a wave propagates from a string of low linear mass density to a string of high linear mass density. In such a case, the reflected wave is out of phase with respect to the incident wave, however the...
Plane Electromagnetic Waves I
The EM field is assumed to be a...
Energy Carried By Electromagnetic Waves
Dual Nature of Electromagnetic (EM) Radiation
Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks (the highest point) or troughs (the lowest point) in the wave. Frequency is the number of...
Propagation of Uncertainty from Random Error
