Generalized Stokes parameters and polarization behavior of flat-topped array laser beam propagating through oceanic turbulence

Abstract

In present paper, the analytical expression for the cross-spectral density of the phase-locked Partially Coherent Flat-Topped (PCFT) array beams propagating through oceanic turbulence based on the extended Huygens–Fresnel integral is derived. Then, the polarization behavior and generalized Stokes parameters of the phase-locked PCFT array beam propagating through oceanic turbulence using the cross-spectral density matrix elements have been achieved. In this paper, the case of the clearwater oceanic turbulence has been considered, i.e. it has been assumed that the light wave is not affected by suspended organic and inorganic impurities. Due to the above-mentioned reason and the turbulence importance, the impacts of oceanic turbulence have been scrutinized, while the effects of absorption and scattering have been ignored. The changes in the Stokes parameters, the fluctuation of Stokes parameters, and consequently the state of polarization (including the spectral degree of polarization, the orientation angle and the degree of ellipticity) of the phase-locked PCFT array beams for different turbulence conditions upon propagation have been investigated. The results may find possible applications in underwater communication.