Propagation properties of radially polarized partially coherent beam in turbulent atmosphere

On the basis of the extended Huygens–Fresnel integral formula, analytical propagation formulae for radially polarized partially coherent beam propagating in turbulent atmosphere are derived, and some analyses are illustrated by numerical examples. It is shown that the structure constant of turbulent atmosphere and the initial coherence length have significant influence on the degree of polarization and coherence for radially polarized partially coherent beam.

► We studied the properties of radially polarized partially coherent beam. ► The profile of beam in turbulent atmosphere disappears as distance z increases. ► The beam spreads more rapidly for a larger structure constant of turbulent atmosphere. ► The degree of polarization for beam decreases with the increase of structure constant. ► The degree of coherence for beam will become fully incoherent beam in the far field.