Experimental generation of cosine-Gaussian-correlated Schell-model beams with rectangular symmetry

Cosine-Gaussian-correlated Schell-model sources whose degree of coherence (DOC) is of circular symmetry have been introduced just recently [Opt. Lett. 38, 2578 (2013)]. In this Letter, we propose a model for a source whose DOC is the superposition of two 1D cosine-Gaussian-correlated Schell-model sources, i.e., possesses rectangular symmetry. The novel model sources and beams they generate are termed rectangular cosine-Gaussian Schell-model (RCGSM). The RCGSM beam exhibits unique features on propagation, e. g., its intensity in the far field (or in the focal plane) displays a four-beamlet array profile, being qualitatively different from the ring-shaped profile of the CGSM beam whose DOC is of circular symmetry. Furthermore, we have carried out experimental generation of the proposed beam and measured its focusing properties. Our experimental results are consistent with the theoretical predictions. (C) 2014 Optical Society of America