We conduct an initial experimental study of implementing partially coherent beams with super-Gaussian far-field intensity distributions with the help of a reflection-type spatial light modulator. Using a recently proposed random screen approach for any Schell model type of beam, various super-Gaussian far-field intensity patterns are generated, although with an expected diffraction limited core (bright spot) in the center of each pattern. It is demonstrated that the experimental results agree well with the theoretical predictions. Our work is beneficial for creating and implementing exotic beams in various applications and can be useful for improving link performance in free-space optical communications.

Date Published: 3 October 2014
PDF: 5 pages
Proc. SPIE 9224, Laser Communication and Propagation through the Atmosphere and Oceans III, 92240N (3 October 2014); doi: 10.1117/12.2063148

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9224:
Laser Communication and Propagation through the Atmosphere and Oceans III
Alexander M. J. van Eijk; Christopher C. Davis; Stephen M. Hammel, Editor(s)