Field distribution and polarization characteristics of partially coherent vector vortex beams passing through dynamic scattering media

Abstract Partially coherent vector vortex beams (PCVVBs) simultaneously exhibit polarization and phase vortices and carry orbital angular momentum, making them promising candidates for applications such as target detection and optical communication. In this study, the cross-spectral density function of a PCVVB propagating through a dynamic scattering medium (DSM) is derived based on the Huygens–Fresnel principle. The effects of the DSM on the beam’s propagation are analyzed in terms of the normalized intensity distribution and spatial field characteristics. The polarization distribution after scattering is examined using the hybrid-order Poincaré sphere representation. Simulation results show that the transmitted beam exhibits non-uniform, jagged ripples in its normalized intensity profile, with peak fluctuation amplitudes reaching approximately 1% of the maximum intensity. The degree of polarization is found to increase proportionally with the ripple amplitude, whereas the topological charge of the beam is inversely correlated with the magnitude of these fluctuations. Moreover, the polarization state of the PCVVB is shown to be highly dependent on the propagation distance, polarization degree, and topological charge. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of the propagation behavior of structured light in dynamically scattering environments and are expected to inform future designs of robust optical systems for communication and imaging in complex atmospheric or biomedical conditions.