The azimuthal spectrum of common transmittance functions and random media

Nathaniel A. Ferlic; Caitie O'Donnell; Miranda van Iersel; Christopher C. Davis

doi:10.1117/12.2593737

4 August 2021 The azimuthal spectrum of common transmittance functions and random media

Nathaniel A. Ferlic, Caitie O'Donnell, Miranda van Iersel, Christopher C. Davis

Proceedings Volume 11834, Laser Communication and Propagation through the Atmosphere and Oceans X; 118340K (2021) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2593737
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2021, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Structured laser beam propagation through inhomogeneous media is of interest for remote sensing and spatial division multiplexed free-space optical communications. The structured light of interest contains orbital angular momentum (OAM) that inherently forms an orthogonal basis set. The decomposition of an optical wavefront into OAM modes is analogous to an azimuthal Fourier transform that provides angular information. When a wavefront propagates through an imperfect optical system or an inhomogeneous medium, the inhomogeneities manifest themselves as phase distortions along the optical wavefront. This study aims to understand how phaseonly distortions shape a beam’s OAM spectrum. The azimuthal information of the distortions will be explored using the Fourier duality between the angular position and azimuthal frequency. To present this perspective, the example of an azimuthal aperture will be used to display the angular uncertainty principle. This concept will be further discussed using an example of a phase-only distortion represented by a common lens aberration using Zernike polynomials and then to the more complicated scenario of a random medium. It is found that the Fourier duality can be used to calculate the OAM spectrum of a random phase distortion. For the case of a finite beam incident on the distortion, it is found that the beam size and spatial structure play a role in spreading the beam’s OAM spectrum. It is seen that a beam’s OAM spectrum spread is independent of the mode if the beam size is taken into account.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Nathaniel A. Ferlic, Caitie O'Donnell, Miranda van Iersel, and Christopher C. Davis "The azimuthal spectrum of common transmittance functions and random media", Proc. SPIE 11834, Laser Communication and Propagation through the Atmosphere and Oceans X, 118340K (4 August 2021); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2593737

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available