Hollow elliptical Gaussian beam and its propagation through aligned and misaligned paraxial optical systems

A new mathematical model called hollow elliptical Gaussian beam (HEGB) is proposed to describe a dark-hollow laser beam with noncircular symmetry in terms of a tensor method. The HEGB can be expressed as a superposition of a series of elliptical Hermite-Gaussian modes. By using the generalized diffraction integral formulas for light passing through paraxial optical systems, analytical propagation formulas for HEGBs passing through paraxial aligned and misaligned optical systems are obtained through vector integration. As examples of applications, evolution properties of the intensity distribution of HEGBs in free-space propagation were studied. Propagation properties of HEGBs through a misaligned thin lens were also studied. The HEGB provides a convenient way to describe elliptical dark-hollow laser beams and can be used conveniently to study the motion of atoms in a dark-hollow laser beam.     

Controllable dark-hollow beams and their propagation characteristics

A new mathematical model called "controllable dark-hollow beams" is introduced to describe hollow beams. The central dark size of this beam can be controlled easily by the beam order N and parameter epsilon. An analytical formula is derived for the propagation of a controllable dark-hollow beam through a paraxial optical system, and some numerical calculations are carried out. Some important propagation characteristics of this beam, such as the beam propagation factor and the kurtosis parameter, are studied in detail, and their variation rules versus the beam order N and parameter epsilon are presented and plotted.     

Partially coherent flat-topped beam and its propagation

A partially coherent beam with flat-topped profile is proposed. The cross-spectral density of this beam can be expressed as a finite series of the cross-spectral density of partially coherent Gaussian-Schell-model beams with different parameters. Analytical propagation formulas for partially coherent flat-topped beams are derived through aligned and misaligned optical systems. The propagation property of partially coherent flat-topped beams in free space is illustrated numerically. The fractional Fourier transform of partially coherent fiat-topped beams is also studied. Our method provides a convenient way to describe partially coherent flat-topped beams and treat their propagation and transformation.     

Paraxial propagation of a partially coherent Hermite-Gaussian beam through aligned and misaligned ABCD optical systems

Paraxial propagation of a partially coherent Hermite-Gaussian beam through aligned and misaligned ABCD optical systems is investigated based on the generalized Collins formula for treating the propagation of a partially coherent beam through such optical systems. Analytical formulas for the cross-spectral density of a partially coherent Hermite-Gaussian beam propagating through such optical systems are derived. As an application example, we derive the propagation formulas for a partially coherent flattened Gaussian beam by expressing it as a superposition of a series of partially coherent Hermite-Gaussian beams by using polynomial expansion. The focusing properties of a partially coherent Hermite-Gaussian beam focused by a thin lens are studied as a numerical example.     

Nonparaxial propagation of controllable dark-hollow beams

On the basis of the Rayleigh-Sommerfeld formulas, the analytical propagation equation of nonparaxial controllable dark-hollow beams (CDHBs) in free space is derived. The far-field approaches and the paraxial approximation are dealt with as special cases of our general results. By using the derived formulas, the nonparaxial propagation properties of CDHBs in free space are illustrated and are analyzed with numerical examples. Some detailed comparisons of the results obtained with the paraxial results are made, which show that the f parameter and the propagation distance play an important role in determining the nonparaxiality of the CDHBs.     

Propagation of high-order Bessel–Gaussian beams through a hard-aperture misaligned optical system

In this paper, we consider the propagation of high-order Bessel–Gaussian beams (HBGBs) passing through a hard-aperture misaligned optical system. By expanding the hard-aperture function into a finite sum of complex Gaussian functions, a general propagating formula of HBGBs is derived in terms of the generalized diffraction integrals. Based on the derived formula, the diffraction properties of HBGBs propagating through a simple misaligned lens system are numerically illustrated. This method provides a convenient tool for studying the propagation and transformation properties of a high-order Bessel–Gaussian beam through an apertured misaligned optical system.     

Propagation of a decentered elliptical Gaussian beam through apertured aligned and misaligned paraxial optical systems

By expanding the hard aperture function into a finite sum of complex Gaussian functions, approximate analytical formulas for a decentered Gaussian beam (DEGB) passing through apertured aligned and misaligned paraxial apertured paraxial optical systems are derived in terms of a tensor method. The results obtained by using the approximate analytical expression are in good agreement with those obtained by using the numerical integral calculation. Furthermore, approximate analytical formulas for a decentered elliptical Hermite-Gaussian beam (DEHGB) through apertured paraxial optical systems are derived. As an application example, approximate analytical formulas for a decentered elliptical flattened Gaussian beam through apertured paraxial optical systems are derived. Our results provide a convenient way for studying the propagation and transformation of a DEGB and a DEHGB through apertured paraxial optical systems.     

Propagation of twisted gaussian Schell-model beams through a misaligned first-order optical system

Abstract

The propagation of twisted Gaussian Schell-model (TGSM) beams passing through a misaligned first-order optical system is studied. The explicit expressions for the cross-spectral density function and Wigner distribution function of the output beam are derived. As a result, generalized partially coherent beams called the decentred twisted Gaussian Schell-model (DTGSM) beams are introduced and their properties are discussed.     

Generalized M* factor of truncated partially coherent controllable dark-hollow beams

On the basis of the fact that a hard-edged aperture function can be expanded into an approximate sum of complex Gaussian functions with finite numbers and the method of truncated second-order moments, the generalized beam propagation factor of truncated partially coherent controllable dark-hollow beams is derived. Some typical numerical simulations are given to illustrate the relations of the generalized beam propagation factor to four parameters: beam parameter ε, beam order N, truncation parameter F and coherence parameter T.     

Average intensity and spreading of an astigmatic sinh-Gaussian beam with small beam width propagating in atmospheric turbulence

Propagation properties of astigmatic sinh-Gaussian beams (ShGBs) with small beam width in turbulent atmosphere are investigated. Based on the extended Huygens–Fresnel integral, analytical formulae for the average intensity and the effective beam size of an astigmatic ShGB are derived in turbulent atmosphere. The average intensity distribution and the spreading properties of an astigmatic ShGB propagating in turbulent atmosphere are numerically demonstrated. The influences of the beam parameters and the structure constant of atmospheric turbulence on the propagation properties of astigmatic ShGBs are also discussed in detail. In particular, for sufficiently small beam width and sinh-part parameter as well as suitable astigmatism, we show that the average intensity pattern converts into a perfect dark-hollow profile from initial two-petal pattern when ShGBs with astigmatic aberration propagate through atmospheric turbulence.     

Elliptical Hermite-cosine-Gaussian beam and its propagation characteristics

A new kind of light beam named the elliptical Hermite-cosine-Gaussian beam (EHCosGB) is introduced in this paper by using a tensor method. An analytical propagation expression for an EHCosGB passing through an axially nonsymmetrical optical system is derived by using vector integration. By virtue of numerical simulations, the propagation properties of EHCosGBs through a free space and a focusing system are illustrated, respectively. The results indicate that an EHCosGB on the input plane can be regarded as the elliptical Hermite-Gaussian beam (EHGB) modulated by the cosine curves with certain oscillating frequency. Some of the neighboring lobes are combined and TEM-type Hermite-cosh-Gaussian beams are formed during the propagation.     

Generalized huygens-fresnel diffraction integral for misaligned asymmetric first-order optical systems and decentered anisotropic Gaussian Schell-model beams

The generalized Huygens-Fresnel diffraction integral for misaligned asymmetric first-order optical systems is derived by using the canonical operator method, which enables us to study propagation properties of anisotropic Gaussian Schell-model (AGSM) beams through misaligned asymmetric first-order optical systems. It is shown that under the action of misaligned asymmetric first-order optical systems AGSM beams do not preserve the closed property. Therefore generalized partially coherent anisotropic Gaussian Schell-model beams called decentered anisotropic Gaussian Schell-model (DAGSM) beams are introduced, and AGSM beams can be regarded as a special case of DAGSM beams.     

Propagation of hollow Gaussian beams through apertured paraxial optical systems

On the basis of the generalized Collins formula and the expansion of the hard-aperture function into a finite sum of complex Gaussian functions, an approximate analytical formula for a hollow Gaussian beam propagating through an apertured paraxial stigmatic (ST) ABCD optical system is derived. Some numerical examples are given. Furthermore, by using a tensor method, we derive approximate analytical formulas for a hollow elliptical Gaussian beam propagating through an apertured paraxial general astigmatic ABCD optical system and an apertured paraxial misaligned ST ABCD optical system. Our results provide a convenient way for studying the propagation and transformation of a hollow Gaussian beam and a hollow elliptical Gaussian beam through an apertured general optical system.     

Analysing the behaviour of partially coherent divergent Gaussian beams propagating through oceanic turbulence

Theoretical study of propagation behaviour of partially coherent divergent Gaussian beams through oceanic turbulence has been performed. Based on the previously developed knowledge of propagation of a partially coherent beam in atmosphere, the spatial power spectrum of the refractive index of ocean water, extended Huygens–Fresnel principle and the unified theory of coherence and polarization, analytical formulas for cross-spectral density matrix elements are derived. The analytical formulas for intensity distribution, beam width and spectral degree of coherence are determined by using cross-spectral density matrix elements. Then, the effects of some source factors and turbulent ocean parameters on statistical properties of divergent Gaussian beam propagating through turbulent water are analysed. It is found that beam’s statistical propagation behaviour is affected by both environmental and source parameters variations.     

Fractional Fourier transform of a higher-order cosh–Gaussian beam

A higher-order cosh–Gaussian beam is an appropriate model to describe the flattened laser beam. The fractional Fourier transform (FRFT) is applied to treat the propagation of higher-order cosh–Gaussian beams. An analytical expression for a higher-order cosh–Gaussian beam passing through a FRFT system has been derived. By using the derived expression, the properties of a higher-order cosh–Gaussian beam in the FRFT plane are graphically illustrated with numerical examples.     

Raman scattering in air: four-dimensional analysis

Inertial confinement fusion requires propagation of high-intensity, pulse-shaped IR and UV laser beams through long air paths. Such beams are subject to energy losses and decreased beam quality as a result by stimulated rotational Raman scattering (SRRS). In this paper we describe how quantum fluctuations, stimulated Raman amplification, diffraction propagation, and optical aberrations interact during the propagation of short, high-power laser pulses using a four-dimensional (4-D) model of the optical beams and the medium. The 4-D model has been incorporated into a general optical-propagation computer program that allows the entire optical system to be modeled and that is implemented on high-end personal computers, workstations, and supercomputers. The numerical model is used to illustrate important phenomena in the evolution of the optical beams. In addition, the OMEGA Upgrade laser system is used as a design case to illustrate the various considerations for inertial confinement fusion laser design.     

Propagation of elliptical Gaussian beams in apertured and misaligned optical systems

On the basis of the fact that a hard-edged elliptical aperture can be expanded approximately as a finite sum of complex Gaussian functions in tensor form, an analytical propagation expression for an elliptical Gaussian beam (EGB) through a misaligned optical system with an elliptical aperture is derived by use of vector integration. The approximate analytical results provide more convenience for studying the propagation and transformation of EGBs than the usual way by using a diffraction integral directly, and the efficiency of numerical calculation is improved. Some numerical simulations are illustrated for the propagation properties of EGBs through apertured optical transforming systems with misaligned thin lenses.     

Propagation of a random electromagnetic beam through a misaligned optical system in turbulent atmosphere

On the basis of the generalized diffraction integral formula for misaligned optical systems in the spatial domain, an analytical propagation expression for the elements of the cross-spectral density matrix of a random electromagnetic beam passing through a misaligned optical system in turbulent atmosphere is derived. Some analyses are illustrated by numerical examples relating to changes in the state of polarization of an electromagnetic Gaussian Schell-model beam propagating through such an optical system. It is shown that the misalignment has a significant influence on the intensity profile and the state of polarization of the beam, but the influence becomes smaller for the beam propagating in strong turbulent atmosphere. The method in this paper can be applied for sources that are either isotropic or anisotropic. It is shown that the isotropic sources and the anisotropic sources have different polarization properties on beam propagation.     

Rotational spin Hall effect in a uniaxial crystal

We have considered the propagation process of the phase-matched array of singular beams through a uniaxial crystal. We have revealed that local beams in the array are rotated when propagating. However the right and left rotations are unequal. There are at least two processes responsible for the array rotation: the interference of local beams and the spatial depolarization. The interference takes place in the vortex birth and annihilation events forming the symmetrical part of the rotation. The depolarization process contributes to the asymmetry of the rotation that is called the rotational spin Hall effect. It can be brought to light due to the difference between the envelopes of the dependences of the angular displacement on the inclination angle of the local beams or the crystal length reaching the value of some angular degree. The direction of the additional array rotation is exclusively defined by the handedness of the circular polarization in the initial beam array.     

Characterizing output beams for lasers that use high-magnification unstable resonators.

Laser beams generated from high-magnification on-axis unstable resonators by use of hard-edged optics typically have a doughnut-shaped distribution in the near field (i.e., a flat-top profile with a hole in the middle for an axially coupled beam). We derive analytical expressions describing this distribution by using the flattened Gaussian beams concept. The superposition of two flattened Gaussian beams whose flatness and steepness of edges are controlled by defined parameters (i.e., the beam width and the order) is used to analyze the output beam intensity along the propagation axis. Finally, experimental measurements of beam propagation from a copper-vapor laser fitted with a high-magnification unstable resonator show excellent agreement with theoretical predictions.