Statistical properties of a partially coherent cylindrical vector beam in oceanic turbulence

Abstract

Propagation of a partially coherent cylindrical vector Laguerre-Gaussian (PCCVLG) beam passing through oceanic turbulence is studied with the help of the extended Huygens-Fresnel integral formula and unified theory of coherence and polarization of light. Analytical formula for the cross-spectral density matrix of a PCCVLG beam propagating in oceanic turbulence is derived, and the statistical properties, such as intensity distribution and degree of polarization, of a PCCVLG beam on propagation in oceanic turbulence are illustrated in detail. It is found that the statistical properties of a PCCVLG beam in oceanic turbulence vary as the sea-related parameters, initial coherence length, and mode orders vary, and such beam is depolarized on propagation. Our results will be useful in optical underwater communications, imaging, and sensing.