A class of vectorial pseudo-Schell model sources with structured coherence and polarization

Abstract

Scalar pseudo-Schell model sources present a degree of coherence depending only on the difference between the radial coordinates of the two considered points. Here we study a class of sources of this kind, but endowed with a vectorial nature. Such sources, as well as the beams they radiate, present structured coherence and polarization features. It is shown that the polarization pattern and the degree of polarization are not uniform across the beam section but remain invariant upon paraxial propagation. Different characteristics of the source and the radiated beam can be obtained by changing the source parameters. Some synthesis procedures are also proposed.