Propagation of partially coherent Bessel-Gaussian beams in turbulent atmosphere

The characteristics of partially coherent Bessel-Gaussian beams propagating in turbulent atmosphere are investigated. Based on the extended Huygens-Fresnel principle, the influence of topological charges and coherence of the source on the intensity and the degree of coherence in the received plane are considered. The influence of atmospheric turbulence on beam profile and coherence in the received plane is also analyzed. It is found that a Bessel-Gaussian shaped intensity distribution will eventually transform into a Gaussian distribution after propagating in turbulent atmosphere. Meanwhile, topological charges, coherence of the source and atmospheric turbulence will also influence the propagation characterizations of the beams. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.