Wave optics simulation of Gaussian Schell-model vortex beam propagation in turbulence: intensity and scintillation analysis

The propagation of partially coherent vortex beams through atmospheric turbulence in weak-to-strong fluctuation regimes is investigated. Irradiance profiles from wave optics simulations and analytical theory compare favorably for a variety of link parameters. Simulation results indicate that partially coherent vortex beams can reduce scintillation index values relative to comparable classic Gaussian Schell model beams when turbulence conditions are mediate to strong. However, the overall propagation performance of partially coherent vortex beams, as measured by the metric Δ, tends to be poorer than classic Gaussian Schell model beams because of larger inherent beam spread.