Propagation of the Fourth-Order Coherence Function in a Random Medium (a Nonperturbative Formulation)*

Abstract

In a previous paper, we considered a perturbation solution for propagation of the fourth-order coherence function in a random medium. In this paper, it is shown how under certain conditions this solution may be extended to treat the propagation problem when the field fluctuations need not be small. A differential equation governing the fourth-order coherence function is derived. A solution is obtained in the geometric-optics limit when the four points of the coherence function are distinct.