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Published on: July 21, 2018
Propagation factor of a stochastic electromagnetic Gaussian Schell-model beam
Shijun Zhu1, Yangjian Cai, Olga Korotkova
1School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.
Optics Express
|July 1, 2010
Summary
This study derives an analytical formula for the M(2)-factor of electromagnetic Gaussian Schell-model (EGSM) beams. The M(2)-factor is invariant in free space but increases in atmospheric turbulence, with EGSM beams showing resilience.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Electromagnetism
- Wave Propagation
Background:
- The propagation characteristics of light beams, particularly their quality factor (M(2)-factor), are crucial for optical communication systems.
- Understanding how beam quality degrades in atmospheric turbulence is essential for reliable free-space optical links.
Purpose of the Study:
- To derive an analytical formula for the M(2)-factor of stochastic electromagnetic Gaussian Schell-model (EGSM) beams.
- To investigate the propagation behavior of EGSM beams in free space and turbulent atmosphere.
- To compare the atmospheric turbulence resilience of EGSM beams with scalar Gaussian Schell-model (GSM) beams.
Main Methods:
- Derivation of an analytical formula for the M(2)-factor of EGSM beams.
- Analysis of the M(2)-factor's dependence on initial beam parameters (degree of polarization, spectral density widths, correlation coefficients) and atmospheric turbulence parameters.
- Comparative analysis with scalar GSM beams.
Main Results:
- In free space, the M(2)-factor of EGSM beams is invariant and depends on initial polarization, spectral widths, and correlations.
- In turbulent atmosphere, the M(2)-factor increases with propagation distance and is influenced by turbulence parameters.
- EGSM beams with lower correlations, wider spectral densities, and longer wavelengths exhibit reduced susceptibility to atmospheric turbulence.
- EGSM beams demonstrate better performance in atmospheric turbulence compared to scalar GSM beams under specific conditions.
Conclusions:
- The derived analytical formula provides a tool for predicting EGSM beam quality during propagation.
- EGSM beams offer potential advantages for long-distance free-space optical communications due to their robustness in atmospheric turbulence.
- The findings are valuable for designing and optimizing optical communication systems operating over long distances in atmospheric conditions.
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