RESUMEN
We present a method for efficiently measuring the 2 × 2 correlation matrix for paraxial partially coherent beams by using diffraction from small apertures and obstacles. Several representations for this matrix function of four spatial variables are discussed and illustrated with experimental results, including various alternative definitions of the spatial degree of coherence.
RESUMEN
We extend the theory of Kassam et al. [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A12, 2009 (1995)JOAOD60740-323210.1364/JOSAA.12.002009] for scattering by oblique columnar structure thin films to include the induced form birefringence and the propagation of radiation in those films. We generalize the 4×4 matrix theory of Berreman [J. Opt. Soc. Am.62, 502 (1972)JOSAAH0030-394110.1364/JOSA.62.000502] to include arbitrary sources in the layer, which are necessary to determine the Green function for the inhomogeneous wave equation. We further extend first-order vector perturbation theory for scattering by roughness in the smooth surface limit, when the layer is anisotropic. Scattering by an inhomogeneous medium is approximated by a distorted Born approximation, where effective medium theory is used to determine the effective properties of the medium, and strong fluctuation theory is used to determine the inhomogeneous sources. In this manner, we develop a model for scattering by inhomogeneous films, with anisotropic correlation functions. The results are compared with Mueller matrix bidirectional scattering distribution function measurements for a glancing-angle deposition (GLAD) film. While the results are applied to the GLAD film example, the development of the theory is general enough that it can guide simulations for scattering in other anisotropic thin films.
RESUMEN
We analyze and test a general approach for efficiently measuring space-variant partially coherent quasi-monochromatic fields using only amplitude masks and free propagation. A phase-space description is presented to analyze approaches of this type and understand their limitations. Three variants of the method are discussed and compared, the first using an aperture mask, the second employing both an obstacle (the exact inverse of the aperture) and a clear mask, and the last combining the previous two. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
RESUMEN
We present a very simple method for measuring the spatial coherence of quasi-monochromatic fields through the comparison of two measurements of the radiant intensity with and without a small obscuration at the test plane. From these measurements one can measure simultaneously the field's coherence at all pairs of points whose centroid is the centroid of the obstacle. This method can be implemented without the need of any refractive or diffractive focusing elements.