Analyzing Beam Propagation through Atmospheric Turbulence for Different Degrees of Global Coherency

Abstract

Studies of optical beam propagation through atmospheric turbulence are important for many applications. Fully coherent laser beams are very sensitive to the turbulence medium. Studies have shown that using partially coherent beams is an effective method to reduce this unsatisfactory feature. Unfortunately partially coherent beams are more expanded when they propagate thought turbulence medium, which is a limiting factor in most applications. In this paper we have determined a special degree of global coherency, which optimizes beam propagation with respect to limiting factors (sensitivity to the turbulence and broadening). Also we have shown that other beam characteristics such as beam quality, power in bucket (PIB) and strehl ratio are optimized in this special degree of coherency.