Propagation characteristics of Gaussian-Schell model beams through optical systems in Kerr media.

Abstract

For the beam spreading case, the propagation formulae of Gaussian-Schell model (GSM) beams through general optical systems in Kerr media are derived, and the propagation characteristics of GSM beams through an ideal thin lens in Kerr media are studied in detail. It is shown that the size and position of the beam waist can be controlled by the Kerr effect. Furthermore, the formula of the focal shift of the GSM beams focused by an ideal thin lens in Kerr media is also derived. It is found that in self-focusing media the focal shift decreases as the beam power or the beam coherence degree increases. In addition, there exists a maximum of the focal shift, and the formula of the focal shift maximum is derived. On the other hand, for the beam self-focusing case, the focusing characteristics of GSM beams focused by an ideal thin lens in Kerr media are also investigated.