Propagation of a radially polarized twisted Gaussian Schell-model beam in turbulent atmosphere

Propagation properties of a scalar twisted Gaussian Schell-model (TGSM) beam in turbulent atmosphere has been studied in detail. In this paper, we explore the propagation properties of a radially polarized TGSM beam in turbulent atmosphere. Analytical formulae for the elements of the cross-spectral density matrix of a radially polarized TGSM beam propagating in turbulent atmosphere are derived based on the extended Huygens–Fresnel integral. We find that the atmospheric turbulence induces degeneration of the intensity distribution and depolarization of a radially polarized TGSM beam on propagation, while the twist phase plays a role in anti-degradation and anti-depolarization. Furthermore, we also find that the twist phase induces not only the rotation of the beam spot but also changes of the state of polarization on propagation, which are caused by the fact that the twist phase imposes orbital angular momentum on the beam. Thus, the twist phase can be used to control the propagation properties of radially polarized partially coherent beam. Our results will be useful in some applications, such as optical trapping and free-space optical communications.