Open AccessM^2-factor of a stochastic electromagnetic beam in a Gaussian cavity
Author(s) -
Shiqun Zhu,
Yangjian Cai
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.18.027567
Subject(s) - optics , gaussian beam , physics , gaussian , m squared , beam (structure) , laser beam quality , optical cavity , free space optical communication , laser , laser beams , quantum mechanics
With the help of a tensor method, an explicit expression for the M2-factor of a stochastic electromagnetic Gaussian Schell-model (EGSM) beam in a Gaussian cavity is derived. Evolution properties of the M2-factor of an EGSM beam in a Gaussian cavity are studied numerically in detail. It is found that the behavior of the M2-factor of an EGSM beam in a Gaussian cavity is determined by the statistical properties of the source beam and the parameters of the cavity. Thermal lens effect induced changes of the M2-factor of an EGSM beam in a Gaussian cavity is also investigated. Our results will be useful in many applications, such as free-space optical communications, laser radar system, optical trapping and optical imaging, where stochastic electromagnetic beams are required.