One-dimensional Lambertian sources and the associated coherent-mode representation

Abstract

The explicit form of the cross-spectral density function characterizing a large homogeneous 1-D Lambertian source is derived, and the associated coherent-mode representation in the space-frequency domain is developed. The buildup of the total radiant intensity from the various coherent-mode contributions is analyzed with proper account taken of the mode strengths. The results are compared with analogous results pertaining to a 1-D spatially strictly incoherent source. It is found that differences in the strengths of certain modes lead to a clear physical explanation of the characteristically different radiation properties of these two types of source.