Physical basis of quantum electronics

Spatial coherence and intensity of reflected laser radiation

G. I. Kozin, A. P. Kuznetsov

Moscow Engineering Physics Institute (State University)

Abstract: A theoretical analysis is made of the statistical characteristics of nonspecularly reflected laser radiation in its far-field zone. No restrictions are placed on the angles of incidence and observation of light. Generalised integral relationships are derived between the distribution of the intensity of light on a reflector and the degree of the spatial coherence of the emitted light, and also between the function representing the degree of the spatial coherence on a reflector and the intensity of the emitted radiation. The shape of the surface representing the regular phase of the reflected radiation is determined. It is shown that the degree of coherence of the radiation and its intensity can be represented by a function of the angles of observation. A method is proposed for determination of the relative intensity and of the degree of the spatial coherence in images formed by paraxial optical systems subject to aperture restrictions.

PACS: 42.25.Gy, 42.25.Kb, 42.50.Ar

Received: 27.07.1998

 English version: Quantum Electronics, 1998, 28:12, 1050–1054

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