Polarization changes in light beams trespassing anisotropic turbulence

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Wave Propagation
• Turbulence Effects

Background:

• Polarization properties of light are crucial in various optical applications.
• Turbulence in the atmosphere can affect light propagation, altering its characteristics.
• Previous studies have focused on isotropic turbulence, leaving anisotropic effects less explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the polarization evolution of light beams in anisotropic turbulence for the first time.
• To analyze how deterministic and random light polarization changes during horizontal propagation.
• To provide theoretical predictions based on coherence theory and wave propagation models.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing second-order coherence theory for beam-like fields.
• Applying the extended Huygens-Fresnel integral for wave propagation analysis.
• Developing theoretical models to predict polarization changes in anisotropic turbulence.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated that light polarization can change in anisotropic turbulence, contrary to free-space or isotropic conditions.
• Showcased that the degree of polarization can either decrease or increase.
• Highlighted the dependence of polarization changes on the initial polarization state of the light source.

Conclusions:

• Anisotropic turbulence significantly impacts light polarization properties.
• The behavior of light polarization in anisotropic turbulence is source-dependent.
• This research provides new insights into light propagation in complex atmospheric conditions.