Real-time synthesis of a nonuniformly correlated, partially coherent beam using an optical coordinate transformation
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: We design, build, and validate an optical system for generating light beams with complex spatial coherence properties in real time. Beams of this type self-focus and are resistant to turbulence degradation, making them potentially useful in applications such as optical communications. We begin with a general theoretical analysis of our proposed design. Our approach starts by generating a Schell-model (uniformly correlated or shift-invariant) source by spatially filtering incoherent light. We then pass this light through an optical coordinate transformer, which converts the Schell-model source into a nonuniformly correlated field. After the general analysis, we discuss system engineering, including trade-offs among system parameters and expected performance. Finally, we test and validate the system by comparing experimental results to theoretical predictions. We conclude with a brief summary and a discussion of future work.
Source: APL Photonics
DOI: 10.1063/5.0225187
Author: Milo W. Hyde
Institution: U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,750
OpenAlex ID: W4403246536