Statistical properties of partially coherent vector beams propagating through anisotropic atmospheric turbulence

Abstract

Statistical properties of partially coherent vector beams propagating through anisotropic non-Kolmogorov atmospheric turbulence have attracted a large quantity of interest in recent years. Here, we show that the partially coherent vector Gaussian Schell-model (PCVGSM) beams for different initial correlation lengths will appear splitting phenomenon in turbulence, and the distribution of degree of coherence gradually evolves into circularly symmetric distribution with increasing propagation distance. We find that the distribution of degree of polarization of PCVGSM beam displays four petals pattern. It can also be found that the PCVGSM beam still keeps linearly polarized through turbulence without initial phase difference. In spite of this, it will gradually evolve into an elliptically polarized beam in turbulence by controlling the initial correlation lengths and the correlation coefficient. Our results are of great significance to detect and image for atmospheric lidar.