Abstract

The second-order intensity moments and beam-propagation factor $(M^2$ factor) of partially coherent beams have been generalized to include the case of hard-edged diffraction. A laser beam with amplitude modulation and phase fluctuation and a Gaussian Schell-model beam are taken as two typical examples of partially coherent beams. Analytical expressions for the generalized $M^2$ factor are derived.

© 2002 Optical Society of America

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