M2-factor of coherent and partially coherent dark hollow beams propagating in turbulent atmosphere

Opt Express. 2009 Sep 28;17(20):17344-56. doi: 10.1364/OE.17.017344.

Abstract

Analytical formula is derived for the M(2)-factor of coherent and partially coherent dark hollow beams (DHB) in turbulent atmosphere based on the extended Huygens-Fresnel integral and the second-order moments of the Wigner distribution function. Our numerical results show that the M(2)- factor of a DHB in turbulent atmosphere increases on propagation, which is much different from its invariant properties in free-space, and is mainly determined by the parameters of the beam and the atmosphere. The relative M(2)-factor of a DHB increases slower than that of Gaussian and flat-topped beams on propagation, which means a DHB is less affected by the atmospheric turbulence than Gaussian and flat-topped beams. Furthermore, the relative M(2)-factor of a DHB with lower coherence, longer wavelength and larger dark size is less affected by the atmospheric turbulence. Our results will be useful in long-distance free-space optical communications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Atmosphere / chemistry*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Light*
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Refractometry / methods*
  • Scattering, Radiation*