Propagation properties of multi-Gaussian Schell-model beams through ABCD optical systems and in atmospheric turbulence

The propagation behavior of the multi-Gaussian Schell-model source through ABCD optical systems and its spreading in the turbulent atmosphere are investigated. We obtain the analytic expressions for the cross spectral density and spectral degree of coherence of such beams in misaligned ABCD optical systems and beam width in atmospheric turbulence. Numerical results show that when the beam is focused, it still has the flattened intensity profile around the optical axis. However, the degree of coherence of field in the focal plane assumes Gaussian-like profile. The turbulence inner scale and correlation width and index M of the source have some effects on beam spreading through atmospheric turbulence.

► Propagation behavior of multi-Gaussian Schell-model beams through optical systems. ► Spreading of multi-Gaussian Schell-model beams in the turbulent atmosphere. ► Flattened intensity profile in the focal plane. ► Effects of turbulence inner scale and coherence of the source on beam spreading.