Multi-Gaussian Schell-model beams

In a recent publication [Opt. Lett. 37, 2970 (2012)], a novel class of planar stochastic sources, generating far fields with flat intensity profiles, was introduced. In this paper we examine the behavior of the spectral density and the state of coherence of beamlike fields generated by such sources on propagation in free space and linear isotropic random media. In particular, we find that at sufficiently large distances from the source, the medium destroys the flat intensity profile, even if it remains such for intermediate distances from the source. (c) 2012 Optical Society of America