Propagation properties of partially coherent radially polarized rotationally-symmetric power-exponent-phase vortex beams in turbulent atmosphere

Abstract

Abstract In this paper, the propagation properties of partially coherent radially polarized rotationally-symmetric power-exponent-phase vortex beams (RP-RSPEPVBs) in turbulent atmosphere were investigated. Based on the extended Huygens-Fresnel principle and unified theory of coherence and polarization, the theoretical propagation model was established. Then, the numerical simulations were carried out to reveal the evolution of intensity distribution, spectral degree of coherence (DOC) and spectral degree of polarization (DOP) in turbulent atmosphere. The results showed that although the partially coherent RP-RSPEPVBs diverged during the propagation, the spatial structure remains analogous, and the relatively larger waist widths gain smaller divergence. Moreover, the optical pattern can be evidently modulated by optical parameters, as the number of sidelobes can be changed with topological charge l, and the continuity of the light spot as well as the rotating speed around the optical axis can be influenced by power exponent n. Besides, the spectral DOC and DOP would decrease with larger propagation distance and refractive-index structure constant, but decrease less with a shorter coherence width. This work may be helpful in fields such as remote sensing and optical communication.