Complex degree of spectral coherence and spectral changes measured by two-beam interference experiments in the space-frequency domain

Abstract

A variety of the complex degree of spectral coherence μ is provided for investigating the correlation-induced spectral changes resulting from two-beam interference in the space-frequency domain. Primary two-point sources with variant Gaussian-like spectra illuminate the secondary source plane across which spatially, partially coherent wave fields result to produce μ. The variational aspects of μ are controllable by the primary source parameters. The spectral changes are discussed in detail in association with the μ-dependent interference term. The argument of μ plays a particularly important role in asymmetric changes in spectrum.