Second-Order Statistics for Wave Propagation through Complex Optical Systems

Closed-form expressions are derived for various statistical functions that arise in optical propagation through arbitrary optical systems that can be characterized by a complex ABCD matrix in the presence of distributed random inhomogeneities along the optical path. Specifically, within the second-order Rytov approximation, explicit general expressions are presented for the mutual coherence function, the log-amplitude and phase correlation functions, and the mean-square irradiance that are obtained in propagation through an arbitrary paraxial ABCD optical system containing Gaussian-shaped limiting apertures. Additionally, we consider the performance of adaptive-optics systems through arbitrary real paraxial ABCD optical systems and derive an expression for the mean irradiance of an adaptive-optics laser transmitter through such systems.

© 1989 Optical Society of America