Intensity distribution properties of Gaussian vortex beam propagation in atmospheric turbulence**Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 61107066).

Abstract

By using wave optics numerical simulation, the intensity-hole effect, beam spreading and wandering properties of Gaussian vortex beam propagation in atmospheric turbulence are investigated quantitatively. It is found that an intensity hole in the center of the beam pattern appears gradually as a Gaussian vortex beam propagates. The size of the intensity hole increases with the increase of the topological charge of the vortex phase. However, the intensity hole could to some extent be filled with optical energy by atmospheric turbulence, especially in strong turbulence. The radius of the intensity hole first decreases and then increases with the growth of turbulence strength. The effective radius of vortex beam with larger topological charge is greater than with a smaller topological charge. But the topological charge has no evident influence on beam wandering.