J. C. G. de Sande

Difference of cross-spectral densities

Generally speaking, the difference between two cross-spectral densities (CSDs) does not represent a correlation function. We will furnish a sufficient condition so that such difference be a valid CSD. Using such a condition, we will show through some examples how new classes of CSDs can be generated.

Coherence–polarization properties of fields radiated from transversely periodic electromagnetic sources

Planar electromagnetic sources characterized by a periodic variation of their beam coherence-polarization matrix are investigated, as far as the polarization features of the radiated fields are concerned, within the framework of the paraxial approximation. A propagation scheme based on plane-wave decomposition leads to a longitudinal periodicity of the polarization properties of the field, thus extending the Talbot effect to the case of partially coherent electromagnetic sources. The polarization features of beams radiated from sources of this type are illustrated by means of simple examples. In particular, it is shown that completely unpolarized sources with uniform intensity profiles can be easily realized, for which the propagated field becomes perfectly polarized across some transverse planes, and vice versa.

Partially coherent sources with circular coherence

A new class of partially coherent light sources is introduced. At the source plane, they exhibit perfect coherence along any annulus that is concentric to the source center. Between two points at different distances from the center, coherence can be partial or even vanishing. Such sources can be synthesized by using a generalized form of van Cittert-Zernike theorem where axial sources are used. Beams radiated by this type of source are analyzed at the source plane and upon free propagation for some simple cases.

LITHIUM NIOBATE STEP-INDEX WAVEGUIDES FOR BROADBAND SECOND HARMONIC GENERATION

We investigate modal phase matching in lithium niobate step-index waveguides for second harmonic generation. We predict doubling bandwidths as large as 110 nm and show that temperature tuning can compensate for any deviation from the designed film thickness.

Phase-matching engineering in birefringent AlGaAs waveguides for difference frequency generation

We investigate refractive-index engineering in form-birefringent AlGaAs-AlAs multilayer waveguides aiming at the maximization of the phase-matching bandwidth for difference frequency generation. Acting on layer thickness and sequence, we predict a threefold improvement, as compared to previously reported results.

Partially coherent sources with radial coherence

Partially coherent sources with radial coherence are proposed. They present a circularly symmetric intensity profile and a degree of coherence whose absolute value only depends on the angular difference between the two considered points. In particular, the source is completely coherent at pairs of points belonging to the same radius. The modal structure of such sources is determined in the general case, and conditions are derived under which the field propagated in paraxial approximation remains radially coherent at any transverse plane. In such cases, the angular dependence of the correlation function is preserved upon propagation, although the intensity profile generally changes. An example of this kind of source has been experimentally synthesized by means of a simple setup, and its coherence characteristics have been tested by means of a Young interferometer.

Synthesis of circularly coherent sources

An experiment is presented in which a partially coherent source endowed with circular coherence is generated. The source is synthesized through a time averaging procedure, so that the mutual intensity is used as the basic correlation function. The correlation between points at different radial distances from the source center is tested by means of a Young interferometer. To confirm the perfect coherence among points along a circle concentric with the source center, the Young mask is replaced by an array of equally spaced pinholes arranged along a circle. The observed pattern is identical to that produced by the same mask, illuminated by perfectly coherent light.