Twisted Gaussian Schell-model array beams

We introduce, to the best of our knowledge, a new class of twisted partially coherent sources for producing rotating Gaussian array profiles. The general analytical formula for the cross-spectral density function of a beam generated by such a novel source propagating in free space is derived, and its propagation characteristics are analyzed. It is shown that both the irradiance profile of each element of the array and the degree of coherence rotate during propagation, but in opposite directions. Further, the twist effects of the spectral density and the degree of coherence are quantified. It is shown that the direction of rotation is changeable upon propagation. Our results may provide new insight into the twist phase and may be applied in optical trapping. (C) 2018 Optical Society of America