Partially coherent sources whose coherent modes are spatiotemporal optical vortex beams

We analyze three non-stationary partially coherent sources whose coherent modes are spatiotemporal optical vortex (STOV) beams. Using spatiotemporal (ST) Bessel-Gauss and Laguerre-Gauss beams (STOV-carrying solutions to the space-time paraxial wave equation) as eigenfunctions in the coherent-modes representation of the mutual coherence function, we derive the ST versions of J (0)-Bessel-correlated, I ( n )-Bessel-correlated, and twisted Gaussian Schell-model beams. We model, in simulation, these ST random beams via their coherent-modes expansions, compare and contrast the simulated results to theory, and analyze/discuss their free-space propagation characteristics. The work presented in this paper will be useful for simulating or physically generating these ST beams for use in applications or future studies.

Automated summary

We analyze three non-stationary partially coherent sources, which have coherent modes of spatiotemporal optical vortex (STOV) beams. By using spatiotemporal (ST) Bessel-Gauss and Laguerre-Gauss beams as eigenfunctions, we derive ST versions of J (0)-Bessel-correlated, I (n)-Bessel-correlated, and twisted Gaussian Schell-model beams. The simulated results and theoretical analysis provide insights into the free-space propagation characteristics of these ST beams, which can be useful for applications and future studies.