Influences of uniaxial crystal on partially coherent multi-Gaussian Schell-model vortex beams

Abstract

The evolution properties and the spectral degree of coherence of a partially coherent multi-Gaussian Schell-model vortex (MGSMv) beam propagating in uniaxial crystals orthogonal to the optical axis are studied. Propagation expression for the cross-spectral density and the average intensity of the partially coherent MGSMv beam propagating in uniaxial crystals are derived. Some analyses are illustrated by numerical examples related to the propagation properties and coherence vortices of the partially coherent MGSMv beam in uniaxial crystals. Numerical results show that, upon propagating in uniaxial crystals, the partially coherent MGSMv beam loses its initial dark center distribution. After propagating for sufficient distances, the partially coherent MGSMv beam will also evolve into a flat-topped beam. The evolution behavior of average intensity and coherent vortices depends on the crystal including the ratio of extraordinary and ordinary refractive indices, and beam parameters including the spatial correlation length and topological charge of the beams, as well as the propagation distance.