Propagation Analysis of Ince-Gaussian Beams in Turbulent Atmosphere

Abstract

We analyze the properties of Ince-Gaussian beams propagating in turbulent atmosphere. Due to analytic difficulties, this analysis is done with the aid of a random phase screen setup. Intensity profile, beam size, and the kurtosis parameter are evaluated against the changes in beam orders, propagation distance, and turbulence levels. It is found that when propagating in turbulence, Ince-Gaussian beams will no longer keep their beam profile invariant like in free space but will experience beam profile changes. These changes will cause additional beam spreading, as well as an increase in beam size and the kurtosis parameter. (C) 2014 Optical Society of America