Fluctuations of a Gaussian Light Beam Propagating Through a Random Medium

Abstract

Distributions of the log‐amplitude and phase fluctuations of a Gaussian light beam propagating through a randomly inhomogenous medium are studied by the evaluation of their mean square values. By means of the adequate focusing system (the optical transmitting antenna) of an aperture size large compared with the medium turbulence scale, log‐amplitude fluctuations are greatly reduced slightly behind the focal point of the focusing system. The reduced fluctuation is strongly dependent upon the focal length, when the focal length is short.