Propagation of a twist Gaussian–Schell model beam in non-Kolmogorov turbulence

Based on the extended Huygens–Fresnel integral, an analytical formula for the cross-spectral density (CSD) function of a twist Gaussian–Schell model (TGSM) beam propagating through non-Kolmogorov turbulence is derived. The statistical properties, such as the beam width, the radius of curvature, the transverse coherence length and the twist factor of the TGSM beam in non-Kolmogorov turbulence, are studied numerically. It is found that the TGSM beam is less affected than a GSM beam without twist phase both in non-Kolmogorov turbulence and in Kolmogorov turbulence. Our results will be useful in free-space communication.