Investigation of partially coherent vector vortex beams with non-isotropic states of spatial correlation

In this work, the far-field properties of non-isotropic partially coherent vector vortex beams (PCVVBs) are investigated both theoretically and experimentally. The term non-isotropic signifies that the spatial correlations between the parallel and orthogonal electric field components are distinguishable. It is found that self-orientation and shaping of intensity profile, correlation-induced polarization and depolarization are highly dependent on both the non-isotropic correlation parameters and Poincaré-Hopf index (PHI) of the beam. The simultaneous depolarization and polarization effects are due to the difference in the input correlation parameters that alter the state of polarization (SOP) and degree of polarization (DOP) distributions. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions. The distinguishability of correlation parameters at the source plane leads to significant changes on its intensity profile, DOP, and SOP distributions on far-field propagation, which may found potential applications in beam shaping, detecting and imaging atmospheric lidar, optical imaging and directional transportation where the self-rotation characteristic of beam plays an important role.