Analysis of reciprocity of cos-Gaussian and cosh-Gaussian laser beams in a turbulent atmosphere

In a turbulent atmosphere, starting with a cos-Gaussian excitation at the source plane, the average intensity profile at the receiver plane is formulated. This average intensity profile is evaluated against the variations of link lengths, turbulence levels, two frequently used free-space optics wavelengths, and beam displacement parameters. We show that a cos-Gaussian beam, following a natural diffraction, is eventually transformed into a cosh-Gaussian beam. Combining our earlier results with the current findings, we conclude that cos-Gaussian and cosh-Gaussian beams act in a reciprocal manner after propagation in turbulence. The rates (paces) of conversion in the two directions are not the same. Although the conversion of cos-Gaussian beams to cosh-Gaussian beams can happen over a wide range of turbulence levels (low to moderate to high), the conversion of cosh-Gaussian beams to cos-Gaussian beams is pronounced under relatively stronger turbulence conditions. Source and propagation parameters that affect this reciprocity have been analyzed. (C) 2004 Optical Society of America.