Simulation and performance of partially coherent beams propagating through turbulence over vertical paths

It is known that laser beams with partial spatial coherence have intensity profiles that show less scintillation (intensity fluctuations) when propagated through turbulence compared to fully coherent beams. Additionally, the partial coherence characteristics of a beam can be designed to produce specific far-field intensity patterns, such as the flat-top. The propagation of different coherent and partially coherent beams with prescribed far-field patterns is simulated using a wave optics simulation method. The beams are propagated along a vertical path through atmospheric turbulence that varies from weak to strong turbulence regimes. The performance of the beams with respect to scintillation as a function of beam size is examined.