Scintillation minimization versus intensity maximization in optimal beams

Abstract

In free-space optical communications and other applications, it is desirable to design optical beams that have reduced or even minimal scintillation. However, the optimization problem for minimizing scintillation is challenging, and few optimal solutions have been found. Here we investigate the general optimization problem of minimizing scintillation and formulate it as a convex optimization problem. An analytical solution is found and demonstrates that a beam that minimizes scintillation is incoherent light (i.e., spatially uncorrelated). Furthermore, numerical solutions show that beams minimizing scintillation give very low intensity at the receiver. To counteract this effect, we study a new convex cost function that balances both scintillation and intensity. We show through numerical experiments that the minimizers of this cost function reduce scintillation while preserving a significantly higher level of intensity at the receiver.